Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various factors to consider such as tactile feedback, smoothness, and sound profile. Two popular options available are the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the TTC Gold Red, a linear switch. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock deliver an impressive blend of tactile intensity and quick responsiveness. With slightly reduced travel at 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel, making them perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying click with every keystroke. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column, adding vibrant RGB illumination for a visually captivating experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches from TTC offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches provide a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Gold Red switches offer a subtly satisfying 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Gold Red switches differ in their housing materials, which results in distinct tactile and acoustic experiences. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing that provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both switches offer clear housings suitable for RGB lighting, the translucent polycarbonate of the Gold Red enhances the visual effect. Their bottom housings share the same material, nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and superior sound absorption capabilities.
The choice of housing materials in the Blue Lotus and Gold Red switches leads to noticeable differences in sound and tactile feedback. With the Blue Lotus, the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel that sets it apart. This unique blend provides a distinct tactile sensation when pressing down on the key, accompanied by a corresponding sound that is characteristically rich and well-rounded. On the other hand, the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched acoustic experience, creating a more precise and defined sound when typing. Users looking for a switch that offers a premium feel with softer, deeper acoustics may lean towards the Blue Lotus, while those seeking sharper, clearer sound may favor the Gold Red.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Blue Lotus and Gold Red switches, their impact on the overall typing experience is dependent on the user's actions. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. As both switches share a nylon bottom housing, they elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder acoustic signature. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing's impact on the sound becomes more prominent. The modified PC and UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus contributes to a unique and premium sound upon key release, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red creates a sharper, crisper sound when the key is let go. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound but will experience variations in the sound when releasing keys, depending on the specific housing material of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Blue Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gold Red's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires more force to register a keystroke, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus is slightly heavier with 65 grams compared to the Gold Red's 50 grams. This indicates that when the keys are fully pressed down, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly firmer feel.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red may be the preferable choice as it requires less force both for actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Blue Lotus.
It is essential to consider the weight of a switch as it greatly influences the overall typing experience. While the actuation and bottom out forces are different between these switches, it is important to note that individuals who prefer either a lighter or heavier switch can still achieve similar results by selecting the appropriate option.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Gold Red's travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range considered to be traditional, with the Gold Red being closer to the standard 4.0 mm distance. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, the Blue Lotus may appeal more to gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when typing may prefer the slightly longer travel distance offered by the Gold Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key feel.
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 Red 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 Red 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
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is best known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. It offers a marked tactile feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. The switch possesses a slightly reduced travel distance, measuring at 3.7mm instead of the standard 4mm, resulting in snappy key presses. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switch features a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant and glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with visual appeal. In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. This switch offers a snappy sound profile, adding a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It is described as silky, indicating an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Gold Red switch also has a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch excels in providing a marked tactile feel with snappy key presses and bassy sound characteristics. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a snappy sound profile and a gentle, subtle feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities, catering to different preferences. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback and a bassy sound, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. For those who prefer a smooth typing experience with a mild feel and a snappy sound, the Gold Red is a great option. Depending on your preferences, either switch will provide satisfactory results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are a great choice. These switches deliver a swift and responsive typing experience with their slightly reduced travel distance, making them perfect for those who enjoy a tactile intensity. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches offer vibrant RGB illumination with their detachable light column, adding visual appeal to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switches are an excellent option. These switches provide a satisfyingly smooth keypress without being too ostentatious in terms of sound. The Gold Red switches offer a more gentle typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Ultimately, your choice between the Blue Lotus and Gold Red switches will depend on your preference for tactile intensity and bottom out force. As a final point, both switches have their unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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