Durock Blue Lotus vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Cream Yellow 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 Blue Lotus and the KTT Cream Yellow. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock offer a winning combination of tactile intensity and quick responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy feel that is ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile response. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column that adds eye-catching RGB illumination to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switches from KTT are renowned for their distinctively clacky sound. These switches have a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, resulting in resonant audio feedback that enhances the typing experience. The lengthened spring in the Cream Yellow switches also contributes to a unique bouncy feel when typing. Both switches have their own merits, offering different experiences for users. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you make the best decision for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Cream Yellow switches offer distinct differences in terms of feel and sound profile. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both materials offer a translucent appearance suitable for RGB lighting, but they offer different sound characteristics. While the Blue Lotus's UPE Blend delivers a premium feel, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate provides a more resonant and clear sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Blue Lotus and the Cream Yellow switches offer similar qualities in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Blue Lotus and the Cream Yellow housing materials depends on personal preferences. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel, while the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prioritize feel or sound characteristics, both switches offer desirable qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there are several differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Cream Yellow's 50 grams. Both switches have a medium actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams of force, while the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams. Again, the Blue Lotus is slightly heavier than the Cream Yellow.
Considering weight, both switches fall within a reasonable range for most typists. However, the Blue Lotus may be preferred by those who desire a stronger push feel, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly lighter touch, which may be desirable for those who type for extended periods of time or engage in lengthy gaming sessions.
In terms of similarity, both switches can provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for individuals who prefer a medium force keyboard experience. However, the slight differences in weight might make the Blue Lotus feel slightly heavier and the Cream Yellow feel slightly lighter. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When it comes to travel distance, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch offer slightly different experiences. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most standard and 3.0 mm being more shallow. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Cream Yellow a potentially appealing choice in that regard. However, it's important to note that some people may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and Cream Yellow switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Durock Blue Lotus keyboard switches are known for their bassy sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed, they emit a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switches provide a clacky sound. This means that when the keys are pressed, they produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used. However, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches have an accented tactile feel. This means that they provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. Additionally, they are known for being snappy and super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. These switches also have a stepped feel, which means that they have a mild bump during the keystroke, allowing for a noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switches offer a bouncy feel. This means that they provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide a tactile typing experience with a bassy sound profile, accented tactility, snappiness, and a stepped feel. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switches offer a linear typing experience with a clacky sound profile, a bouncy feel, and a longer spring for added liveliness. While they have different characteristics, both switches excel in their respective qualities and can provide an enjoyable typing experience depending on individual preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a bassy sound profile, the Blue Lotus would be a great choice. If you prefer a linear switch with a clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow would be a suitable option. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer subjective qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the better option for you. With its bottom out force of 65 grams and slightly reduced travel distance, these switches deliver a satisfying tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a noticeable tactile experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you value a distinctive clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch may be more suitable. With its bottom out force of 58 grams, shortened bottom-out distance, and lengthened spring, these switches offer a resonant audio feedback and a unique elastic feedback sensation. In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus is described as bassy, while the Cream Yellow is described as clacky. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your personal preferences for tactile feel, sound profile, and typing experience.
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