Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Iron mechanical keyboard switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switch from Durock boasts a tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out for its pronounced clacky sound signature and buttery smooth travel, providing a distinctive typing experience. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, whether it be the snappy feel of the Blue Lotus or the aural satisfaction of the Iron. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the TTC Iron utilizes a POM top housing that creates a pleasing and deeper sound profile. While the Blue Lotus's housing material offers a premium feel, the Iron's housing material provides a more muted sound profile with a deep tone. Both switches offer a distinct tactile experience due to their different housing materials.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus uses nylon, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Iron's POM bottom housing also creates a pleasing and unique sound profile, which is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Both switches offer a unique typing experience thanks to the qualities of their bottom housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Iron will depend on the sound and feel that the user is looking for in a switch. The Blue Lotus offers a premium feel with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the Iron provides a deeper and more muted sound profile with its POM top and bottom housing. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, each with its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the TTC Iron linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams. The bottom out force of the Blue Lotus is also heavier at 65 grams, while the Iron has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring more force to both initiate and complete a keystroke, while the Iron offers a lighter touch for a smoother typing experience. Those who prefer a heavier typing feel may opt for the Blue Lotus, while those who prefer a lighter touch may choose the TTC Iron. Both switches provide different weight options for users to select based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize quick response times. The difference between the two distances is minimal, with the Iron switch being slightly longer. Players who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Blue Lotus, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Iron switch. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a snappy 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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Iron switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive with each press. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired auditory feedback during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, offering a medium level of tactility with a super responsive typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Iron switch is easy-to-press and mild, providing gentle resistance with minimal force required for activation. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Blue Lotus focusing more on tactile feedback and responsiveness, while the Iron prioritizes ease of use and a gentle typing experience. Again, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and TTC Iron linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Blue Lotus presents a tactile and snappy typing experience with a bassy sound profile, while the Iron provides a smooth and easy-to-press feel with a clacky audible feedback. Depending on whether the user prioritizes tactile feedback or ease of typing, they can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver satisfying results based on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactile feedback and actuation force. If you enjoy a marked tactile feel with snappiness and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force with a pronounced clacky sound and buttery smooth travel, the Iron switch would be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the Blue Lotus is ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy switch with a tactile experience, while the Iron is perfect for individuals desiring a light, linear switch with a satisfying sound profile. Consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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