Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Purple Click. The Black Lotus is a linear switch known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It offers reduced housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial and manageable. What sets it apart is the unique light column that provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, is a clicky switch that delivers a satisfying high-pitched click. While its keystrokes are light, they still offer a pronounced tactility, creating a perfect equilibrium. Categorized as crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped, this switch provides a distinct typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Purple Click switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Thus, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
However, the top housings of the two switches differ. The Black Lotus has a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. This blend of materials is designed to enhance the overall tactile feedback of the switch, making it more satisfying to use. In contrast, the Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more visually appealing switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the choice between the Black Lotus and the Purple Click depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a premium feel and enhanced tactile feedback, the Black Lotus with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharper and crisper sound profile, along with the visual appeal of RGB lighting, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing could be the ideal option.
In summary, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, they differ in their top housings, with the Black Lotus offering a unique and premium feel through its modified PC & UPE Blend housing, while the Purple Click delivers a sharper sound and the option for RGB lighting with its polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the decision between the two hinges on individual preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Black Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Purple Click presents a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click switch would be a more suitable choice. With its lower actuation force, it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions. This lightweight characteristic can enhance comfort and prevent fatigue during long periods of use.
In contrast, the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force. This creates a stronger push feel, which may be preferred by users who appreciate a tactile response and additional resistance when typing. The higher bottom out force of the Black Lotus also contributes to a more solid and pronounced typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. While the Black Lotus offers a heavier and more substantial feel, the Purple Click provides a lighter and smoother typing experience. Both switches fulfill different needs, ensuring that users can find an option that suits their desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Neither switch is shorter or longer in terms of travel distance as they both have a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus linear switch does not have a specific descriptor mentioned. However, it is known for providing a smooth and precise typing experience, which suggests a quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Click clicky switch is described as having a fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. This indicates that it produces a distinct clicking sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, please note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. This implies that it offers an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience, with reduced friction and uniform key travel. Additionally, it falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Purple Click clicky switch is described as invigorating and stepped. This suggests that it provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. It also has a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Black Lotus linear switch and the Purple Click clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus is known for its smooth and precise typing experience, with a quiet sound profile. It provides a silky, buttery, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch produces a satisfying click sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. It offers an invigorating and stepped feel, combining pronounced feedback with a mild tactile sensation. Overall, both switches provide unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences. If you are looking for a smooth and precise feel with a quieter sound, the Black Lotus is the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more tactile and clicky experience, the Purple Click is a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its silky and buttery feel, these switches offer an exceptionally smooth and uniform typing sensation. The medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams provides a substantial actuation weight without being too heavy. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds a touch of in-switch lighting that can be fully removed if desired.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and auditory experience, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be a perfect fit. With its invigorating and stepped feel, these switches offer pronounced feedback and a snappy typing sensation. The medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams allows for lighter keystrokes without sacrificing tactility. The high-pitched and satisfying click sound adds to the overall typing experience, creating a perfect equilibrium between sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Purple Click switches will depend on your personal preferences. Whether you prioritize a smooth and precise typing experience or a tactile and clicky feel, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing pleasure. Regardless of your decision, you can be assured of the quality and performance that these switches provide.
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