Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Bluish White
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Bluish White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Bluish White are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a satisfying tactile typing experience. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are highly regarded for their blend of tactile intensity and quick responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches also feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with visually captivating aesthetics. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White switches offer a poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Categorized as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched, these switches deliver a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly pronounced. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Bluish White differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom housing. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the Blue Lotus provides a unique and premium feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Bluish White's top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, both switches share the quality of having a clear housing, which is typically associated with polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the Bluish White employ nylon as their housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience with regards to sound when it comes to their nylon bottom housings.
Overall, when comparing the two switches, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Bluish White will depend on personal preferences. If smoothness and premium feel are important, the Blue Lotus with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing may be preferred. However, if a sharper and crisper sound profile, as well as enhanced RGB lighting, are desired, the Bluish White with its polycarbonate top housing would be a suitable option. Both switches share the attribute of having a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to individual sound preferences and aesthetic preferences related to RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Blue Lotus is 55 grams, while the Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Bluish White requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Blue Lotus. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Blue Lotus is 65 grams, whereas the Bluish White has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, if weight is a consideration, the Bluish White switch would be a lighter option, enabling users to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Blue Lotus switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. It is important to note that while the forces differ between the two switches, both can still provide similar results depending on the user's preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch differ slightly. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of gaming preferences, shorter travel distances are favored by gamers as they provide faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bluish White switch with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on keys, the Blue Lotus switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be preferable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance aligns better with individual typing or gaming preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy sound profile. This means that during key presses, the switch produces a deeper and richer sound, reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White switch has a low-pitched sound. These switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Blue Lotus switch has several descriptors that paint a picture of its tactile experience. It is described as accented, meaning it offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is referred to as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive and provides a lively typing experience. Lastly, it is mentioned that the Blue Lotus switch has a stepped feel, which means it feels mild and has some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In contrast, the TTC Bluish White switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. Like the Blue Lotus switch, the Bluish White switch has a stepped feel, which provides a milder tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Bluish White switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switch has a bassy sound with a marked tactile feel, while the Bluish White switch has a low-pitched sound and a mild, buttery feel. Both switches have a stepped characteristic, but the Blue Lotus switch has a snappier response while the Bluish White switch offers a more gentle typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the pronounced tactility of the Blue Lotus or the smoother, more subtle experience of the Bluish White switch. Keep in mind that the final sound and feel of these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel that is accented and snappy. The slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination add to the overall performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a satisfyingly poppy feel, the TTC Bluish White switches would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a mild and stepped tactile experience. They are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke, and have a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Bluish White switches depends on your preference for tactile intensity, typing force, and sound profile.
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