Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Gold Brown Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Blue Lotus by Durock stands out for its intense tactile feedback and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro by TTC caters to individuals who prefer a more subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, allowing for a smooth and immersive typing experience without being too distracting. The Blue Lotus is characterized by its accentuated, bassy, and snappy feel, whereas the Gold Brown Pro is described as polished, thocky, low-pitched, and silky. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, offering users the opportunity to choose based on their specific preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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 Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Gold Brown Pro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. While the Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Blue Lotus is described as having a premium feel, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown Pro creates a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial if RGB lighting is involved. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel that may appeal to those looking for a different tactile experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Lotus and Gold Brown Pro feature nylon bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a more immersive typing experience. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing, enhancing the overall sound and feel of the switches for users who value acoustics and tactile feedback.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus and Gold Brown Pro differ in their top housing materials, they both share the use of nylon in the bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the feel and sound profile each housing material provides. Whether you prefer the premium feel of the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing or the sharper sound profile of the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro does not have a specified bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Blue Lotus is considered medium-heavy, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Gold Brown Pro is lighter, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out force, with the Blue Lotus requiring a slightly heavier touch than the Gold Brown Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who are more sensitive to keypress feel, it could make a difference. In general, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a slightly shallower key press, the Blue Lotus may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, so you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and 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 Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 is known for its bassy profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. This can create a satisfying auditory experience, especially for those who enjoy a lower frequency range similar to bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as thocky, producing a deep and rich sound that is satisfying when pressed. The low-pitched and neutral sound characteristics of the Gold Brown Pro make it a versatile option suitable for various preferences and environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal sound preferences, with the Blue Lotus catering to those who enjoy a more bass-heavy sound and the Gold Brown Pro appealing to those who prefer a balanced and gentle tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized by its accented tactility, providing a medium level of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. The snappy and stepped feel of the Blue Lotus switch adds to its unique typing experience, offering a responsive and lively keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances key travel. The mild and subtle tactile characteristics of the Gold Brown Pro make it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions, providing a gentle resistance without being overly pronounced. Both switches offer a different typing feel, with the Blue Lotus emphasizing tactility and responsiveness, while the Gold Brown Pro prioritizes smoothness and subtlety.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus excels in providing a bassy sound profile and an accented, snappy tactile feel, making it a great choice for those who appreciate pronounced tactility and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro impresses with its thocky sound profile and polished, silky feel, catering to individuals who prefer a smoother and more understated typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel with a snappy response and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile that allows you to focus on your tasks without distraction, the Gold Brown Pro could be the ideal option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you value most. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and Gold Brown Pro switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more intense tactile experience or a more understated and immersive typing feel.
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