Durock Blue Lotus vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Matcha are two popular options to consider. The Blue Lotus switches, known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, provide a marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, these switches offer vibrant RGB illumination with their detachable light column, adding a captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switches are praised for their comfortable and snappy tactility, allowing for a pleasant typing experience. Furthermore, these switches produce a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to their long pole stem. However, if you're looking to make an informed decision about the best switch for you, it's important to dive deeper beyond these generalities and explore the specific qualities and nuances of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Matcha have distinct differences in their housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles and aesthetics. Starting with the top housing, the Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This blend combines the qualities of polycarbonate and UPE to create a housing that offers a softer and more rounded sound profile, ideal for those seeking a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus utilizes a nylon material, which is considered a classic choice for switch housings. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, allowing it to absorb more sound. This leads to a duller and rounder sound that is preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Matcha features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This material's stiffness contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile, delivering a sharper and higher-pitched sound during typing sessions.
Overall, while the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Matcha have different housing materials, they both offer high-quality switches. The Blue Lotus combines the modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, creating a unique and premium feel, while nylon is used for the bottom housing to provide a deep and full sound profile. In contrast, the Matcha utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound experience. Therefore, depending on personal preference and desired sound profile, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Blue Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, making it require more pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Matcha, which has an actuation force of only 40 grams. This makes the Matcha lighter in terms of actuation force. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Blue Lotus is heavier at 65 grams, while the Matcha has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter in this aspect as well.
Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter feel to their typing experience may find the Matcha more suitable. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Matcha allow for easier and smoother keystrokes, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial and firm typing experience, the Blue Lotus may be a preferable choice. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, giving a sense of satisfaction and solidity with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and KTT Matcha differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus is heavier with medium-heavy forces, while the Matcha is lighter with lighter forces. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Blue Lotus offering a more substantial feel and the Matcha providing a lighter and smoother typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. The Blue Lotus would be a good choice for those seeking a more responsive feel, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Matcha may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter and quicker key press or a slightly longer and more pronounced keystroke.
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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 tone that provides a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This lower frequency range resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you are looking for a tactile switch that delivers a satisfying auditory experience, the Blue Lotus with its bassy sound would be a great choice, while the Matcha switch offers a clacky sound for those who prefer a sharper tone.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Lotus and the Matcha switches share similar qualities. Both switches are described as Accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This medium level of tactility allows for a more balanced typing experience. Additionally, both switches are characterized as snappy, offering a super responsive typing feel due to the longer or dual-staged springs used. This responsiveness enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel more alive. Moreover, both switches are referred to as stepped switches, which means they have two stages to their tactile feedback. You can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the switch's tactile experience. However, the Matcha switch also offers additional qualities such as being feathery, exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue, and a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Matcha switches offer their own unique qualities. The Blue Lotus is known for its snappiness, tactile intensity, and a slightly reduced travel distance, making it perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. It also provides a bassy sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Matcha switch offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound and shares similar tactile qualities with the Blue Lotus. Additionally, it provides a feathery and subtle typing experience, suitable for shared spaces. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a strong and intense tactile feel, along with a bassy sound, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a clean and snappy sound along with a tactile yet feathery typing experience, the Matcha switch would suit your preferences. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences in terms of sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Blue Lotus with its 65 grams would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Matcha with its 45 grams would be more to your liking.
In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus offers a bassy sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Conversely, the Matcha produces a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise when pressed.
Moving on to feel, both switches offer similar descriptors such as stepped, snappy, and accented. This means that they provide a noticeable tactile bump during typing but aren't overwhelming or scratchy. However, the Blue Lotus doesn't have the feather-light and subtle options that the Matcha offers. If you prefer an exceptionally light switch with little finger strain and reduced fatigue, the Matcha's feathery feel would be more suitable for extended typing sessions, gaming, or work in shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Matcha switches will depend on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and the specific feel you desire. By taking these aspects into account, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
