Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Purple Star, both being linear switches, some distinct differences emerge. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precise typing experience, with reduced wobble for increased stability. Its 55g actuation weight provides a substantial feel without being too heavy, while the unique light column adds a touch of customization. On the other hand, the Purple Star switches are known for their all-POM construction, offering a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out weight, they cater to light typists who seek ease and comfort. While both switches have their own strong points, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific attributes to determine the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus features a unique combination of a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing with a nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing and POM bottom housing. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing offers a premium and unique feel, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM top housing creates an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is more muted and on the deeper side. Both switches offer a different tactile and auditory experience due to their choice of housing materials.
While both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to create a distinct typing experience. The Black Lotus excels in providing a premium feel with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, resulting in a unique sound profile when compared to the nylon bottom housing's deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Purple Star's POM top and bottom housing combination offers a pleasing sound that is more muted and on the deeper side, giving users a quieter typing experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance typing comfort and sound quality.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Purple Star switches plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While the Black Lotus stands out with its unique Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing paired with nylon bottom housing for a premium feel and deep sound profile, the Purple Star offers a quieter and more muted typing experience with its POM top and bottom housing combination. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound or a deeper, fuller sound while typing, both switches cater to different preferences in housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus is the heavier switch while the Purple Star is the lighter one. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a lighter touch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Black Lotus for its heavier forces, while users looking for longer typing or gaming sessions may find the lighter touch of the Purple Star more suitable. In either case, both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Purple Star due to its shorter travel distance, while those seeking a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Black Lotus. Both switches offer a smooth linear actuation, but the difference in travel distance may provide users with varying tactile experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is known for its low-pitched tone, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a neutral sound signature, contributing to a buttery smooth typing experience with its all-POM construction. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Purple Star switches offer smooth typing experiences. The Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced resistance and a refined finish. Similarly, the Purple Star is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and a light 45g bottom-out that makes it suitable for light typists. These qualities ensure that both switches provide a comfortable and effortless typing experience for users.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Purple Star linear switches excel in offering smooth and comfortable typing experiences. While the Black Lotus showcases a unique light column and 55g actuation weight, the Purple Star stands out with its all-POM construction and 45g bottom-out force. Depending on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, users can expect comparable performance and satisfaction from either switch based on their individual typing style and needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a silky smooth typing experience with unique lighting features, the Black Lotus may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with easy-to-press keys, the Purple Star could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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