Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Brother are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus is praised for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel while also appreciating vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight nature and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, appealing to clicky switch aficionados who prioritize a tactile experience that is never burdensome. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Brother both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, providing a premium and unique feel, while the Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While both switches use different materials for their top housings, they both aim to enhance the typing experience with distinct characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the Brother's housing results in a clear and resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a crisper sound profile, while the modified PC & UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus offers a premium feel that sets it apart.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and Brother use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the way in which the material interacts with the overall typing experience may slightly differ. The incorporation of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality and comfort.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Brother play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While the Blue Lotus offers a unique modified PC & UPE Blend top housing for a premium feel, the Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housing to provide a deep and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a premium feel or a sharper sound, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience made possible by their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is significantly heavier in both aspects. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in weight between the two switches can greatly impact typing and gaming experiences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Brother switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Blue Lotus may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating that they are designed for quick and responsive feedback. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch for faster response times, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press may lean towards the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Blue Lotus being slightly longer than the Brother clicky switch.
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 Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 profile, providing a deep and rich sound during key presses that adds a sense of gravitas to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch gives off a crunchy sound, reminiscent of crisp autumn leaves being stepped on. Both switches excel in delivering a satisfying auditory experience, with the Blue Lotus leaning towards a more resonant bass tone while the Brother offers a crunchy and crisp click with each press.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch provides an accented tactile experience that strikes a balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming, offering a satisfying level of tactility for users. The snappy and stepped nature of the switch enhances responsiveness and provides a dynamic typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation which reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it also features a stepped tactile feel that provides a mild tactility by offering some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile with a blend of swift responsiveness, the Blue Lotus switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and a more effortless typing experience, the TTC Brother clicky switch is a top contender. Ultimately, both switches deliver on their respective strengths and will provide a rewarding typing experience for users, showcasing the diversity and innovation within the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the TTC Brother clicky switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences. If you value a tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy snappiness in your keystrokes, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight, easy-to-press switch with a distinct clicky sound and a lower actuation force, the TTC Brother switch might be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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