Durock Black Lotus vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options for linear switch enthusiasts are the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Yunhai. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, which significantly reduces housing and stem wobble, ensuring a high-quality typing experience. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between firmness and ease, allowing typists to enjoy both control and comfort. Additionally, the unique light column feature enables stunning in-switch lighting while remaining fully removable. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai offers a distinct typing experience characterized by its deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle, effortless feel while typing. While both switches offer unique benefits—whether it's the polished and refined demeanor of the Black Lotus or the effortless Typing experience of the Yunhai—there are specific situations where each might shine. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Yunhai, we can first note the difference in their top housings. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend, which suggests a unique and premium tactile experience due to its harder, more structured nature. This specific blend may contribute to a sharper, more pronounced sound profile when the keys are released. In contrast, the Yunhai employs a classic nylon material for its top housing, which tends to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Consequently, while the Black Lotus’s modified blend provides a distinct 'pop' when keys are released, the Yunhai's nylon top may result in a softer and more muted sound.

However, both switches share a commonality when it comes to their bottom housing: both utilize nylon. As a classic material in mechanical keyboard switches, nylon contributes to a rounded and softer sound profile. Typing on either switch will yield a satisfying and muted impact due to this shared material, allowing users to experience similar characteristics in feel and acoustic performance. With both models leveraging nylon on the bottom, they deliver consistent bottom-out sounds, offering a satisfying experience regardless of the switch you select.

Ultimately, the different top housing materials between the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Yunhai create distinctive tactile and acoustic qualities. While the Black Lotus aims for a premium feel and sharper sound, the Yunhai’s nylon top leans into a deeper tonal profile. Nonetheless, both switches benefit from nylon’s acoustic properties in their bottom housings, creating a cohesive feel in both typing and sound for users. Therefore, while there are important contrasts in their design, the shared elements of nylon contribute to an enjoyable typing experience across both switch types.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces are notable. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which provides a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a less strenuous keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. Overall, the Black Lotus switch is the heavier option, while the Yunhai switch is lighter, catering to different user preferences regarding typing feel and exertion.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Black Lotus boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Black Lotus provides a more pronounced key press, which some users might prefer for a more tactile feel, potentially appealing to typists or those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Conversely, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to gamers and users who favor quicker response times and a less abrupt key feel. This difference highlights a key consideration in switch selection: those seeking more responsiveness may gravitate towards the shorter travel distance of the Yunhai, while those who appreciate a more substantial depth will likely choose the Black Lotus.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is not explicitly described, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous. The TTC Yunhai switch, however, boasts a deep, rounded sound profile that provides an enjoyable acoustic experience, especially well-suited for typists who appreciate a more subtle auditory feedback. Both switches will ultimately produce different sounds when paired with various boards and keycaps, making personalization key in achieving the desired audio ambiance.

In terms of feel, the Black Lotus excels with its silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. It minimizes wobble and resistance, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke that many typists would find pleasurable. The addition of its mild qualities makes it approachable for users who appreciate an effortless yet controlled typing sensation. On the other hand, the Yunhai offers a unique typing experience characterized by an incredibly light actuation force, catering to those who prefer a gentler touch. While the Black Lotus emphasizes a robust yet smooth tactile experience, the Yunhai leans heavily into ease of activation, making it exceptionally appealing for casual and prolonged typing sessions.

In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and TTC Yunhai linear switches offer distinct attributes that may cater to different preferences among typists. The Black Lotus is recognized for its silky smoothness and polished feel, ideal for those who prioritize precision and minimal resistance. Conversely, the Yunhai, with its rounded sound and light activation, is perfect for individuals who enjoy a softer typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you value a refined tactile feedback or a lighter, more effortless keystroke.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch that offers a silky smooth feel and polished typing experience, the Black Lotus is likely the better option for you. Its 63.5-gram bottom-out force provides a reassuring heft without being overly tiring, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where precision and tactile feedback are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai switches with their 50-gram bottom-out force are an excellent choice. Their deep, rounded sound and gentle actuation make for a comfortable experience, particularly for those who type quickly or want a switch that minimizes finger fatigue. Thus, consider how you type and what you prioritize in a switch—whether it's smoothness and weight with the Black Lotus or lightness and acoustics with the Yunhai—to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more