Durock Blue Lotus vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique characteristics are the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Pine. The Blue Lotus switches by Durock are renowned for their impressive combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a snappy typing experience that tactile enthusiasts will appreciate. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column, allowing for captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches stand out for their medium-heavy weight, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing experience. Thanks to a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and enable a silky key travel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences; however, let's delve deeper into their specifics to help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Pine switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall performance and aesthetics. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. This blend offers a softer and more resonant sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Pine switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound. This leads to a higher-pitched typing experience, ideal for those seeking a clearer auditory feedback.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements its clear top housing both aesthetically and sonically. The polycarbonate material in the bottom housing adds to the sharp and higher-pitched sound profile of the switch. It is particularly advantageous for users planning to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced light diffusion.
Although there are significant differences in the housing materials of the Blue Lotus and the Pine switches, they do share similarities in terms of the impact on typing sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the respective bottom housing material will be more apparent in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their contrasting housing materials, both switches provide tactile and audible feedback that enhances the overall typing experience, catering to the preferences of different users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Pine's lighter 45 grams. Additionally, the Blue Lotus requires a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Pine has a lower bottom out force of 58 grams. As such, the Blue Lotus can be considered medium-heavy in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Pine falls more towards the medium range.
Considering weight is crucial when choosing a switch, as it can affect typing stamina and the overall typing experience. For those who prefer lighter switches, the Pine would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, allowing for longer typing sessions. This feature makes it ideal for office use or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial and pronounced typing feel might opt for the Blue Lotus. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a more satisfying push while typing.
In terms of similarities, both switches offer a medium actuation force, which could provide similar results for users seeking a balanced typing experience. However, it is worth noting that the Pine switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch, which refers to the distance the switch travels from top to bottom when pressed, is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch. In the case of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Pine has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm.
4.0mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, offering a satisfactory amount of depth. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus with its 3.7mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, facilitating rapid key presses during intense gaming sessions.
However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances may feel too abrupt for some individuals who prefer a greater sense of depth when typing or gaming. In such cases, the KTT Pine linear switch with its 4mm travel distance may be a more suitable option. The longer travel distance provides a more satisfying tactile feedback, allowing for a more pronounced and deliberate keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch comes down to personal preference based on one's desired level of responsiveness and depth. However, both switches offer their own advantages and can provide a satisfactory typing or gaming 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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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. These switches have a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, which contributes to their snappy feel. They are perfect for individuals who enjoy a marked tactile experience while typing. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column that creates vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal.
On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and designed to provide an effortless typing experience. These switches have a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction and ensures smooth key travel. The Pine switches are translucent forest green in color, adding a unique aesthetic to your keyboard.
In terms of sound, both the Blue Lotus and Pine switches are described as "bassy." This means that they offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Snappy switches are known for their super responsiveness, making the typing experience feel more alive. Lastly, stepped switches feel mild in comparison to hypertactile switches, offering some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.
On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches are described as buttery and creamy. Butteriness implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Creamy switches offer a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
In conclusion, the Blue Lotus tactile switch and KTT Pine linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches are described as "bassy," the Pine switches also have a low-pitched characteristic. The Blue Lotus switches provide an accented, snappy, and stepped feel, while the Pine switches are known for their buttery and creamy typing experience. Overall, both switches offer distinct benefits for enthusiasts, and depending on personal preference, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice for you. With their snappiness and slightly reduced travel distance, they offer swift responsiveness and a captivating visual appeal with their detachable light column for RGB illumination. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a bassy sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the KTT Pine switches would be a suitable option. These switches are known for their buttery smoothness, thanks to the polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for effortless key travel. The Pine switches offer a medium-heavy feel and a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile, providing a pleasant and mellow typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a tactile feel and vibrant RGB lighting, the Blue Lotus switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Pine switches would be more suitable. Consider your typing style and preferences, and choose the switch that best fits your needs.
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