Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Gold Brown both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are well-known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Gold Browns from TTC are all about balance. These switches offer a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, making them suitable for individuals looking for a more neutral and mild typing experience. Moreover, the Gold Browns have a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Gold Brown switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic and ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to the overall sound experience and enhances the typing feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend, while the Gold Brown uses polycarbonate. The modified PC and UPE blend in the Blue Lotus switch provides a unique and premium feel, offering a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing in the Gold Brown. The polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, which brings a similar sound and feel, the difference in their top housings makes them distinct from each other. The Blue Lotus switch with its modified PC and UPE blend offers a premium feel, while the Gold Brown with its polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound experience. Both switches excel in different aspects, giving users the option to choose based on their preferences for tactile feel and sound profile.
In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Gold Brown switches have similar nylon bottom housings that result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, their top housings differ, with the Blue Lotus featuring a modified PC and UPE blend for a unique and premium feel, while the Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate to create a sharper and crisper sound profile. These switches offer users distinct options in terms of tactile feel and sound experience, allowing for personalized preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities as well as differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is consistent between the two. This ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight variation between the two switches. The Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that users will experience a slightly heavier push feel when pressing the switch all the way down, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown has a lower bottom out force of 63 grams, which is classified as medium. This implies that the Gold Brown switch requires slightly less force to fully depress compared to the Blue Lotus.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer lighter switches as it allows for more comfortable and extended typing sessions, making them ideal for work or long gaming periods. However, others may prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. For those seeking a lighter option, both switches offer the same actuation force, satisfying this requirement. However, for those looking for a heavier switch, the Blue Lotus would be the preferred choice due to its higher bottom out force compared to the Gold Brown.
In conclusion, while the actuation force is the same for both switches, the Durock Blue Lotus offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. However, individuals looking for a lighter option can expect similar results from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottoming out forces.
Travel distance
The Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Gold Brown switch is slightly longer than the Blue Lotus switch. The Gold Brown switch falls within the range of traditional travel distances, while the Blue Lotus switch is slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Blue Lotus switch a suitable choice for them. On the other hand, those who prefer a more profound key press experience may find the longer travel distance of the Gold Brown switch more satisfying. Both switches offer their unique benefits, catering to different preferences and needs.
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 Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 characterized by a lower frequency range, giving key presses a deeper and richer sound. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a neutral sound profile that is moderate in volume. While the Blue Lotus switch delivers a more pronounced and resonant sound, the Gold Brown switch offers a softer and gentler typing experience without being completely silent. It's important to note that the actual sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide pleasant sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch can be described as accented, snappy, and stepped. It offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a prominent tactile feel during key presses. Its snappiness can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, giving a lively typing experience. Additionally, the stepped design allows for some pre-travel and/or post-travel, further enhancing the tactile feedback. Conversely, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience. It has a comfortable actuation force and a smooth key travel, offering a gentle and effortless sensation. The accented tactility adds a noticeable tactile bump, while the polished finish reduces friction. These qualities make the Gold Brown switch approachable and suitable for most users. Whether you prefer a more accentuated and snappy feel or a subtle and buttery typing experience, both switches deliver satisfying tactility to enhance your keyboarding experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Gold Brown switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switch delivers a bassy sound profile, making key presses resonate with a deeper and richer tone. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch provides a more neutral sound profile that is moderate in volume. In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch offers a medium level of tactility with its accented, snappy, and stepped design, providing a significant tactile feel and responsiveness. The Gold Brown switch, on the other hand, offers a milder and buttery typing experience with its accented and polished qualities, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences and provide enjoyable typing experiences, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a tactile feel and swift responsiveness in your mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and slightly reduced travel, these switches deliver a marked tactile intensity. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding visual appeal to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63 grams and a slight, satisfying bump, these switches offer a softer sound profile and are generally suitable for most intents and purposes. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference as to which one will best suit your typing style and preferences.
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