Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Speed Silver. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that offers a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making typing a pleasure. It is known for its reduced housing and stem wobble, which further enhances the overall typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, the Black Lotus strikes a balance between substantial feedback and ease of use. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that can be fully removed if desired. On the other hand, the Speed Silver, also a linear switch, is favored by those who prioritize speed and precision. It offers a light-medium level of resistance and produces a pristine sound profile. Furthermore, the Speed Silver boasts a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. Both switches have their strengths and suit different preferences, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver switches have contrasting materials for their top housing. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This material is known for its smoothness and durability, providing a satisfying experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Speed Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, its translucency is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects. Although different, both top housings offer distinct advantages, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for feel and visual aesthetics.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Speed Silver rely on nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With similar bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both switches. The nylon material contributes to a satisfying and immersive typing experience, providing a solid foundation for these switches.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings influence different aspects of the switch's performance. When pressing down on the key, the impact and bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing. In this case, both the Black Lotus and the Speed Silver's nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, when releasing the key, the sound is primarily influenced by the top housing. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend housing and the Speed Silver's polycarbonate housing offer distinct sound profiles when keys are released.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Speed Silver switches differ in their top housing materials, with the Black Lotus featuring a modified PC & UPE Blend and the Speed Silver utilizing polycarbonate. However, they share the same nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, although users can choose between the unique feel of the Black Lotus or the sharper sound profile and RGB compatibility of the Speed Silver.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it becomes evident that there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, whereas the Speed Silver requires 45 grams to register a keystroke. This means that the Black Lotus requires a slightly heavier touch to initiate a keystroke compared to the Speed Silver. Additionally, the Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required to fully press down, whereas the Speed Silver offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience.
Weight plays a significant role in the decision-making process for keyboard enthusiasts, as preferences for typing experiences vary. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Speed Silver as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, enabling longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. This characteristic makes it suitable for individuals using their keyboard extensively for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Black Lotus is a better choice for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Black Lotus offer a more satisfying tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the individual's personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The traditional travel distance of 4 mm is common and provides a satisfying amount of depth when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm is preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes and increased responsiveness. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, lacking the desired depth and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 does not have a specific descriptor provided, but it is known for its smooth and refined typing experience. This suggests that the sound profile of the switch is likely to be quiet and consistent, without any excessive noise or harshness. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it falls in the middle ground, offering a moderate level of sound that should be suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. This indicates that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch is likely to provide a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation, making it a pleasure to type on. The Speed Silver switch shares some similarities in feel, being described as mild and polished. This suggests that it also offers a gentle typing experience without any notable characteristics that might be off-putting to most users. Both switches are likely to have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Speed Silver switches have different characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus switch is known for its silky smooth feel and the unique light column that provides in-switch lighting, while the Speed Silver switch is valued for its fast and precise typing experience. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, while the Speed Silver switch has a neutral sound profile. However, both switches offer a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. If you are seeking a switch with a smooth and refined feel, either of these switches should deliver similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus would be an excellent choice. With its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, these switches provide maximum typing pleasure. The 55g actuation weight gives a substantial but not too hefty typing experience. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver switches would be the perfect option. With their light-medium level of resistance and reduced travel distance, these switches allow for quick and effortless actuation. In terms of sound, both switches offer a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes. In terms of feel, both switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, with the Black Lotus offering an exceptionally smooth and buttery feel and the Speed Silver offering a sleek and refined finish. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Speed Silver would depend on whether you prefer a heavier or lighter bottom out force and prioritize silky smoothness or a faster typing experience.
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