Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Flaming Purple offer distinct experiences for users. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch known for its blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. In contrast, the Flaming Purple from TTC is a linear switch notable for its resonant character and feathery nature, providing a unique auditory flair to every keystroke. While the Blue Lotus boasts vibrant RGB illumination and a snappy feel, the Flaming Purple offers a neutral sound with a touch of bass and effortless typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Flaming Purple both feature unique qualities that affect the sound and feel of the switches. The Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel, while the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Flaming Purple allows for a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound profile.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which further adds to the deeper and fuller sound profile experienced when typing on these switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a more rounded sound, as the softer plastic absorbs sound and creates a more muffled effect. However, the top housing materials of the Blue Lotus and Flaming Purple offer distinct characteristics that impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant sound.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Flaming Purple play a significant role in the sound and feel of these switches. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the top housing materials offer contrasting characteristics. The Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel, while the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that delivers unique sound profiles.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch reveals some distinct differences. The Blue Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's lighter 42 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the Blue Lotus is 65 grams, heavier than the Flaming Purple's 47 grams. The Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Flaming Purple offers a lighter touch for a smoother typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Flaming Purple more appealing, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Flaming Purple's 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may find these switches to be ideal for fast-paced gaming. The difference of 0.1 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant to most users, as both offer a relatively short distance compared to more traditional 4.0 mm switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much tactile feedback and depth one prefers in their typing 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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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, both the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Flaming Purple switches offer a bassy tone during key presses. However, the Flaming Purple switch also has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a more immersive auditory experience compared to the Blue Lotus. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is known for its accented tactility, snappiness, and stepped keystrokes, providing a tactile typing experience that is responsive and engaging. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering a light and smooth typing experience that minimizes finger strain and fatigue. This makes it a comfortable option for long typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or school.
In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Flaming Purple switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus excels in tactile intensity and responsiveness, while the Flaming Purple stands out for its feathery nature and resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a more tactile switch with a snappy feel, the Blue Lotus may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother, lighter typing experience with a touch of bass in the sound, the Flaming Purple switch could be the better option for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, snappy responsiveness, and striking RGB illumination, then the Blue Lotus may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a lower bottom out force, resonant sound profile, and feathery typing experience, then the Flaming Purple could be the ideal option for your typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, whether you choose the Blue Lotus or the Flaming Purple, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your individual preferences.
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