An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often narrows down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear options. The Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out with its unique tactile feedback, delivering a pronounced bump that enhances typists' experiences, especially for those who appreciate a tactile response. With a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm, the Blue Lotus is not only snappy but also comes arranged with eye-catching RGB illumination thanks to its detachable light column. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a smooth, linear experience that caters to gamers and casual users alike, providing a seamless keystroke and a satisfying bottom-out sound without being overly disruptive. While the Blue Lotus excels in tactile feedback and visual flair, the Flaming Pink is favored for its effortless keystrokes and versatility in various tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will suit your preferences perfectly.
55g
43g
65g
50g
2.00 mm
1.60 mm
3.70 mm
3.60 mm
Yes
Yes
Standard
Partial box
POM
POM
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Polycarbonate
Nylon
Nylon
PCB (5-pin)
PCB (5-pin)
Gold-plated long spring
24mm single-staged spring
The Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Flaming Pink both showcase unique qualities in their top housing materials that significantly influence the overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which offers a premium feel that resembles properties found in high-end switches, alongside the enhanced durability that these materials provide. In contrast, the Flaming Pink utilizes pure polycarbonate for its top housing, renowned for its clarity and resonance. This choice yields a sharper and crisper sound profile—characteristics that are particularly beneficial for those who appreciate audible notifications from their keystrokes. While both materials are designed for tactile and responsive performance, the auditory experience diverges; users of Blue Lotus switches may find a softer auditory feedback compared to the brighter tones produced by the Flaming Pink.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches rely on nylon, which acts as a classic go-to material in the world of mechanical keyboards. The nylon employed in both the Blue Lotus and Flaming Pink contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, which effectively absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity results in a closely matched audio output during key presses, as both switches will resonate with a more subdued and rounded sound when bottoming out. Hence, users can anticipate a consistent sound experience when using switches of either model, even though the top housings differentiate their tonal qualities.
In summary, the combination of materials used in the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Flaming Pink creates distinct characteristics that influence not only the feel but also the sound profile of typing. While the nylon bottom housing remains a shared element that contributes a rich audio experience, the divergence lies within the top housings. The modified PC and UPE blend of the Blue Lotus provides a smooth tactile experience, whereas the polycarbonate of the Flaming Pink delivers a more vivid soundscape, especially appealing for RGB lighting situations due to its translucency. As a result, while the two switches will offer a similar sensation on a tactile level thanks to the nylon bottom, the auditory experience will differ markedly based on the materials employed in the top housing.
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Flaming Pink has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This disparity suggests that the Flaming Pink would appeal more to users seeking a less strenuous experience, while the Blue Lotus may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers, reinforcing the tactile feedback during use. Therefore, if you prioritize lighter switches for extended use, the Flaming Pink is the better choice, whereas the Blue Lotus delivers a heavier, more pronounced typing experience.
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Blue Lotus features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Flaming Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, the Flaming Pink may be the more appealing choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer the sensation of pressing deeper into the key, the Blue Lotus offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel. Both switches reflect contemporary trends in switch design, catering to different preferences among users, with the Flaming Pink being ideal for gamers seeking efficiency and the Blue Lotus suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation.
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 Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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.
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out with its bassy profile, producing a deeper and richer sound during key presses that resonates with a lower frequency range. This creates a satisfying auditory feedback as you type, making each keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, while the TTC Flaming Pink’s sound profile is noted to be bright, it is not overly loud. This balance allows for a more subtle acoustic experience that might suit those who prefer a less obtrusive sound while still maintaining a quality typing experience. The overall sound produced by each switch can also vary based on factors like the keyboard construction and keycap choices, which means that users can achieve tailored auditory outcomes with both.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus offers an engaging typing experience characterized by its medium tactile feedback. Described as accented and snappy, the switch provides a tangible and responsive tactile bump without overwhelming the user, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming alike. The stepped nature of the tactile feedback further enhances this experience by presenting a noticeable pre-travel feel, allowing for a more dynamic interaction. The TTC Flaming Pink, while providing a smooth and responsive feel, is designed to offer a satisfyingly comfortable bottom-out sensation suitable for both gaming and daily use, although its specific tactile feedback characteristics are not detailed.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Flaming Pink switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Blue Lotus excels in delivering a pronounced tactile and auditory experience, perfect for users seeking both responsiveness and a deeper sound profile. Meanwhile, the Flaming Pink offers a more subtle yet smooth experience, focusing on comfort and versatility. Ultimately, both switches serve their purpose well; however, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, as each provides a unique take on the mechanical switch experience.
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a tactile typing experience with a pronounced feedback during each keystroke, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option. Its heavier actuation force of 65 grams provides a robust and snappy response, making it ideal for those who enjoy the satisfaction of tactile bumps and prefer a more tactile feel while typing or gaming. Additionally, the deep and bassy sound profile of the Blue Lotus can enhance the auditory pleasure of your keystrokes, especially if you're looking for a switch that feels as noteworthy as it sounds. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is likely more suited to your needs. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, these switches facilitate swift and effortless key presses, making them perfect for fast-paced gaming and prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Their non-overly loud but satisfying sound profile ensures a pleasant and unobtrusive feedback during use. Ultimately, you should select the Blue Lotus if you enjoy tactile feedback, while the Flaming Pink should be your choice if you prioritize a smooth and quick response.