Durock Blue Lotus vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for enthusiasts are the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Mint. Each switch offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that delivers a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel of 3.7mm, it provides a snappy feel that appeals to those who enjoy a marked tactile experience. Additionally, its detachable light column allows for vibrant and glowy RGB illumination, adding a visually appealing element to its performance. On the other hand, the Mint is a linear switch known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience. With its long pole stem, it produces a poppy thockiness when typing, creating a unique and enjoyable sensation. Furthermore, the Mint offers a lighter and fleeting type feel, making it ideal for those seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to fully understand and ultimately decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Mint differ in terms of the top housing. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives the switch a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Mint has a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality. In terms of aesthetics, if you prefer RGB lighting, the Mint's translucent polycarbonate top housing would be a more suitable choice.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material enhances the overall sound profile by producing a deeper and fuller tone. Nylon has the advantage of being a relatively softer plastic, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience.
Since the top and bottom housings differ between the Blue Lotus and the Mint, it's worth considering the impact of each material on the switch's performance. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, depending on your preferences for both the typing experience and the sound profile, you can choose between the Durock Blue Lotus with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, or the KTT Mint with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches will provide similar results in terms of the nylon bottom housing's deep and full sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Mint's 45 grams, making it require a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. Similarly, the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Mint has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the Mint offers a lighter touch for smoother keystrokes. Those who prefer a lighter keyboard may opt for the Mint switch to enable longer typing sessions or prolonged gaming, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may find the Blue Lotus more suitable for their preferences. Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces allow users to choose between lighter or heavier options based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is clear that the Mint has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Blue Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within the acceptable range, with the Mint being closer to the standard 4.0 mm and the Blue Lotus being slightly shallower. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity among gamers, who value faster response times. In this aspect, the Blue Lotus would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Mint with its longer travel distance might be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired 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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 deep and rich bassy sound profile. This low-pitched sound adds depth and richness to each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. It provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone while also offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various settings. Keep in mind that the sound of both switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch provides an accented, snappy, and stepped tactile experience. It offers a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, allowing for a satisfying typing experience. The snappiness of the switch comes from the longer or dual-staged springs, making each keystroke feel more alive. Additionally, the stepped feel adds a mild pre-travel or post-travel sensation to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. Its gentle characteristics make it approachable for most users, while the polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out for its intense tactile feel, snappy response, and accented tactility. It offers a unique blend of performance and visual appeal with its detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. The KTT Mint switch, on the other hand, stands out for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel, poppy thockiness, and mild typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their respective qualities. Based on the information provided, it is safe to say that if you prefer a tactile switch with intense tactility and snappiness, the Blue Lotus switch would be an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a mild typing experience, the KTT Mint switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience. The Blue Lotus switches also have a slightly reduced travel distance, making them snappy and quick. In terms of sound, they offer a bassy profile, adding depth and richness to your keystrokes. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented and snappy, providing a tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience, the KTT Mint linear switch would suit your preferences. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer a light and fleeting typing feel. The Mint switches have a long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying thocky sound while typing. They are also described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. The Mint switches are characterized as mild and polished, providing a comfortable and smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize tactile feedback and vibrant RGB lighting, the Blue Lotus switches would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience, the Mint switches would be a better choice. Consider your preferred typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to make an informed decision.
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