Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Honey are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Blue Lotus, known for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, offers a marked tactile feel that enthusiasts enjoy. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a captivating visual appeal to your keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches are recognized for their smooth and creamy feel, which guarantees a pleasant typing experience. Accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile, these switches offer a subtle and polished typing experience. Both switches have their unique features and advantages, making them suitable for different typing 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
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Honey differ in several aspects. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Honey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. While both materials offer a clear and resonant sound profile, the use of polycarbonate in the Honey switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Blue Lotus. Furthermore, polycarbonate is particularly advantageous if you plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency.
The bottom housings of the Blue Lotus and the Honey also diverge in material composition. The Blue Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance. In terms of aesthetics, a clear housing, like the polycarbonate used in the Honey, is typically associated with switches that allow for RGB lighting.
When exploring the performance of these switches, it is crucial to consider how the qualities of each housing material are distributed. In the case of different top and bottom housing materials, the characteristics of the bottom housing will influence the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key. As such, the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing promotes a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing, while the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Similarly, the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing delivers a premium feel, while the Honey's polycarbonate top housing adds a sharper, higher-pitched sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Blue Lotus is 55 grams, while the Honey requires only 42 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Honey switch has a lighter actuation force, making it easier to activate. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams, while the Honey switch requires 50 grams. This indicates that the Blue Lotus is heavier when it comes to bottoming out.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes the Honey switch a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter feel. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Blue Lotus with its heavier forces.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Honey switches differ, with the Honey switch being lighter in both aspects. However, individuals seeking similar results can choose either switch based on their personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When it comes to the travel distance of switches, even the slightest variance can make a difference in the typing or gaming experience. In this case, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TTC Honey linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. These variances may seem minimal, but they can have a noticeable impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard.
Traditionally, a 4.0 mm travel distance has been considered standard, providing a balanced depth for typing. Meanwhile, a shallower distance of 3.0 mm has gained popularity in recent times, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this regard, if you are seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Durock Blue Lotus with its shorter travel distance would be the preferable option.
On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, lacking the desired depth and satisfying keystrokes they seek. For those individuals who prefer a more hearty depth to their typing or gaming experience, the TTC Honey linear switch with its slightly longer travel distance could be the preferable choice.
In conclusion, while the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch may differ by a mere 0.1 mm, they can cater to different preferences and needs. For those who value quick and responsive keystrokes, the Blue Lotus would be a suitable choice, while those who prioritize a more substantial keystroke experience may opt for the TTC Honey. Ultimately, both switches offer their distinct advantages, and the choice between them depends on personal preferences and typing/gaming requirements.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches have a subdued sound. While not completely silent, these switches offer a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The specific sound of each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches have a few notable descriptors. They are described as accented, snappy, and stepped switches. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Snappy switches are highly responsive, enhancing the typing experience and making it feel more alive. Stepped switches have a mild tactile feel with a sense of pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches are described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, while frictionless switches minimize resistance and provide a fluid travel. Buttery switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Subtle switches have a gentle resistance and are suitable for shared spaces. Finally, polished switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the information provided, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and TTC Honey linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switches provide a bassy sound profile and a tactile experience with medium tactility and snappier responsiveness. They have a slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Honey switches have a more subdued sound profile and a smooth, creamy, and polished feel. They offer a frictionless and effortless typing experience. While they have different characteristics, both switches deliver on their respective qualities to enhance the overall typing experience. Depending on your preference, you can choose between the more tactile and vibrant Blue Lotus switches or the smooth and creamy Honey switches to achieve your desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus is the switch for you. Its snappiness and slightly reduced travel make it perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, adding to its visual appeal. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the TTC Honey is the switch to go for. It offers a deep and pleasant sound profile and a frictionless, buttery feel. With its gentle resistance and subtle sound signature, the Honey switch is suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice between the Blue Lotus and Honey switches will depend on your preference for tactile intensity and bottom out force, as well as the desired typing experience and sound profile. In the end, both switches have their unique qualities and can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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