Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Neptune mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and precise typing experience, with reduced wobble for maximum comfort. The 55g actuation weight provides a substantial yet not overly heavy touch, and the removable light column adds a customizable touch. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure, offering a smooth, frictionless glide reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi. The switch's ultralight design allows for swift typing, while the muted sound signature maintains a refined auditory ambiance. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery' and 'Polished,' but offer distinct qualities that may appeal to different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Neptune have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Black Lotus features a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a premium feel, while the Neptune has a POM top housing that creates a pleasing and deep sound. In terms of bottom housing, the Black Lotus utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Neptune uses a polycarbonate bottom housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Neptune offer a high-quality typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus provides a softer and more absorbent surface for a duller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune offers a stiffer surface for a clearer and resonant sound. While the POM top housing of the Neptune produces a unique sound profile that is more muted and deep, the Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus gives it a premium feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of sound production, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. The combination of the unique housing materials in the Black Lotus and the Neptune allows for a well-rounded sound profile that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound from the polycarbonate materials in the Neptune or a deeper and fuller sound from the nylon materials in the Black Lotus, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Neptune linear switches, it is clear that the Black Lotus is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Neptune is lighter with an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Black Lotus offers a medium-heavy typing experience, with a substantial push feel, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback. On the other hand, the Neptune provides a lighter typing experience, perfect for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force, with users opting for the Black Lotus for a heavier feel and the Neptune for a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Black Lotus being slightly longer than the Neptune. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Neptune a popular choice among this demographic. However, those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Black Lotus for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant enough to impact the overall typing or gaming experience, so both options can provide a similar level of performance for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is known for having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch is described as having a low-pitched, muted, subdued, and thocky sound. This means that the Neptune switch offers a quieter and more bass-heavy typing experience compared to the Black Lotus, which may appeal to those looking for a more refined and subtle auditory ambiance.
In terms of feel, both the Black Lotus and TTC Neptune switches are described as offering a buttery typing experience. The Black Lotus switch is known for its silky and buttery feel, providing a smooth and almost frictionless typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch is described as having a gummy, frictionless, and polished feel, offering a unique blend of smoothness and springy resistance akin to chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. Overall, both switches provide a seamless and effortless typing experience, making each keystroke a textured pleasure.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Neptune linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus switch provides a neutral sound profile and a silky, buttery typing experience, while the TTC Neptune switch offers a low-pitched, muted sound and a gummy, frictionless feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their own unique characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch that offers a silky smooth feel with unparalleled precision, reducing housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure, then the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that provides a smooth, almost frictionless glide with a springy resistance feel, giving every keystroke a textured pleasure, then the Neptune could be the one for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding typing experience and feel. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences for a more enjoyable and tailored mechanical keyboard experience.
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