Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is highly regarded for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, typing on these switches is incredibly enjoyable. The 55g actuation weight of the Black Lotus provides a satisfying heft, without being too heavy. Additionally, the unique light column offers in-switch lighting and can be fully removed to suit individual preferences. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch that provides a medium level of resistance, resulting in a precise and comfortable typing experience. These switches are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. Despite their medium tactility, the Silent Bluish Whites are far from loud. Both switches have their merits, however, let's delve deeper into their characteristics and features to help you make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Silent Bluish White both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, while the Silent Bluish White employs a polycarbonate top housing. Both materials offer a premium feel and are beneficial for RGB lighting due to their translucency. However, the polycarbonate top housing in the Silent Bluish White produces a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the unique blend used in the Black Lotus. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize the classic material of nylon. Nylon is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile in switches, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing in both the Black Lotus and Silent Bluish White contributes to a duller and rounder sound upon typing. This means that regardless of the switch, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience due to the similar properties of their bottom housings.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the Black Lotus and Silent Bluish White offer a balanced combination of qualities. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a well-rounded typing experience with both switches. However, those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may lean more towards the Silent Bluish White with its polycarbonate top housing, while those prioritizing a unique blend and premium feel may opt for the Black Lotus.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is heavier, requiring 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Bluish White is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Black Lotus is also heavier at 63.5 grams, whereas the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams to fully press down.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to initiate keystrokes. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Black Lotus switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel. This can be preferred by individuals who prefer a more tactile and pronounced keystroke.
It is worth mentioning that if individuals desire similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, they can achieve this by using lighter keycaps on the Black Lotus switch. This can effectively reduce the overall force required for both actuation and bottoming out, providing a typing experience closer to the Silent Bluish White switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offer distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus is heavier in both aspects, providing a stronger and more substantial typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White offers a lighter touch. The decision ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing style, with considerations of whether a lighter or heavier force is desirable for the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Black Lotus offers a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White switch. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key press may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Black Lotus more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a shorter and more responsive feel or a deeper and more substantial press.
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 Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 switch is not specifically described, so we can assume that it produces a standard mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch is described as muted, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes the Silent Bluish Whites ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared living spaces. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Black Lotus and Silent Bluish White switches offer a smooth and fluid typing experience. The Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, indicating an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent Bluish White switch is also described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. These qualities suggest that both switches provide a gentle typing experience with a comfortable level of resistance, making them approachable to most typists.
Considering all the available information, both the Black Lotus and Silent Bluish White switches offer desirable subjective qualities for typing. While the Black Lotus switch is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, the Silent Bluish White switch provides a satisfying level of resistance and a precise typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch is designed to be as quiet as possible, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise reduction is important. Overall, both switches seem to offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, making them viable options for different preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a smooth and precise typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a substantial actuation weight without feeling too hefty. The Black Lotus is best known for its silky smooth feel, unparalleled precision, and reduced housing and stem wobble. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that can be fully removed. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch that offers a satisfying level of resistance, the TTC Silent Bluish White is a perfect option. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a comfortable and precise typing experience. These switches are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Bluish White switches have a medium tactile feel and are far from loud. Ultimately, your choice between the Black Lotus and the Silent Bluish White will depend on whether you prioritize a linear or tactile switch and the specific characteristics that align with your typing preferences. Overall, both switches offer unique features and advantages that can enhance your typing experience.
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