Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are multiple options available to suit different preferences and needs. Two switches that stand out are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the KTT Semi Mute, also a linear switch. The Black Lotus is renowned for its smooth feel and precise performance, ensuring minimal housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a moderate 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, its unique light column provides in-switch lighting that can be fully removed if desired. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch lives up to its name by offering completely silent operation. Perfect for those who value a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, it boasts advanced dampening technology and a linear actuation for a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. The Black Lotus is known for its smoothness, while the Semi Mute emphasizes its silent operation. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best switch decision for yourself.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Semi Mute differ in their housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. This material combination offers a softer and more absorbent experience, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for those seeking a higher-pitched typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Black Lotus incorporates a nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Semi Mute employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing. With polycarbonate at the bottom, the switch produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures a more clear and resonant typing experience.

While the housing materials of both switches have distinct qualities, they do share similarities. In terms of the top housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Semi Mute utilize polycarbonate or a modified PC and UPE Blend, respectively. These materials provide a premium and unique feel to the switches. Additionally, when comparing the bottom housings, both switches aim to enhance the sound profile. The nylon material of the Black Lotus and the polycarbonate material of the Semi Mute seek to provide a deeper and fuller sound, with the former creating a duller sound and the latter producing a sharper tone. Therefore, even though they differ in specific materials, both switches are designed to optimize the sound and feel of typing.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, while the Semi Mute requires a slightly lighter 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Black Lotus provides a slightly stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Semi Mute offers a lighter touch.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams of force to fully press down, whereas the Semi Mute requires a slightly lighter 58 grams for bottoming out. This indicates that the Black Lotus is a slightly heavier switch overall compared to the Semi Mute.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Semi Mute switch, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Black Lotus, as it requires a higher actuation and bottom out force.

In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch provides a medium actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for key weight and typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect to feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Semi Mute, you will get similar results and a consistent tactile experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor mentioned. This means that the sound characteristics of these switches are not explicitly defined in the information provided. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are described as "muted," indicating that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. These switches are designed to minimize noise, making them suitable for those who value a noise-free environment, particularly during late-night typing sessions. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Therefore, while the Black Lotus sound is unspecified, the Semi Mute switches will provide a mute and quieter typing experience.

In terms of feel, both the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Semi Mute switches share similar characteristics. They are both described as "buttery," meaning they offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches are categorized as "mild," indicating that they offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The feel of these switches will be approachable to most users, as their qualities lie in a safe middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the Black Lotus switch is also described as "silky" and "polished," suggesting an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel.

Considering the available information, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch provide quite similar subjective qualities. Both switches are described as "buttery" and "mild," offering a smooth and gentle typing experience. While the sound characteristics of the Black Lotus switch are not defined, the Semi Mute switches are designed to be muted and produce softer and quieter typing sound. Additionally, the Black Lotus boasts a "silky" and "polished" feel, indicating an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. In conclusion, if you prefer a quieter environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute switches will cater to your needs. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus switches will provide a similar result.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer their unique advantages depending on your specific preferences and needs. If you value typing pleasure accompanied by unparalleled precision, reduced wobble, and a unique light column for in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a substantial actuation weight without being overly hefty. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the Semi Mute switch is tailored for you. Despite its completely silent operation, it offers a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, it strikes a balance between actuation force and a moderate sound profile. Both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, ensuring seamless and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Semi Mute comes down to whether noise reduction or unique features and precision are more important to you.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more