Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a satisfying typing experience are the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Silent Brown. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, adding a captivating visual appeal to your keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets them apart is their muted sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Silent Brown differ in their top housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This blend of materials contributes to a smooth and luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly beneficial for switch users who plan to use RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for enhanced lighting effects. Despite the differences in materials, both switches provide pleasing tactile feedback and are ideal for those seeking a refined typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and the Silent Brown utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic and well-regarded material for switch housings. It is softer compared to other plastics, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This quality makes the switches ideal for individuals who prefer a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience. Nylon's ability to absorb sound also contributes to a duller and rounder sound, providing a pleasant auditory feedback. Whether it is the Blue Lotus or the Silent Brown, the nylon bottom housing ensures a satisfying tactile response during key presses, offering a consistent and enjoyable typing experience.
When considering the difference in top and bottom housings, it is important to note how these materials impact the overall performance of the switches. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing's impact is more noticeable when letting go of a key. This means that the Blue Lotus, with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, will offer a distinct and premium feel upon key release. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing will provide a crisp and resonant sound profile when keys are released. Despite these variations, both switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback during typing, allowing users to express their preferences in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 45 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Blue Lotus at 65 grams and the Silent Brown at 63.5 grams, making them both fall into the medium-heavy category.
In terms of weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches like the Silent Brown, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This makes it a great choice for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or for long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy the feeling of a stronger push. For these users, the Blue Lotus with its slightly heavier actuation force would be a suitable choice.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Silent Brown, both switches offer a similar bottom out force. Therefore, those who prefer a light typing experience can opt for the Silent Brown, while those who favor a stronger push can choose the Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, you may lean towards the Blue Lotus with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, craving a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. For those who prefer a more hearty and satisfying feel, the Silent Brown with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 switches have a bassy profile. This means that they produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, with a lower frequency range reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches have a muted sound profile. They are designed to minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches have an accented tactile feel. This means that they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. They are often described as a "medium tactile" switch. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches are known for being snappy and responsive due to their longer or dual-staged springs, which adds to the typing experience. They also have a stepped feel, meaning that they have a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel compared to switches with a continuous bump. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches have a buttery feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. With a uniform typing sensation and a polished finish resulting in reduced friction, the Silent Brown switches provide a sleek and effortless typing experience. They are classified as mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics.
Based on the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their marked tactile feel, swift responsiveness, and snappiness. They offer a slightly reduced travel distance and a vibrant RGB illumination. The sound profile of the Blue Lotus switches is described as bassy, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. The sound profile of the Silent Brown switches is muted, resulting in a softer and quieter sound. They have a buttery feel with a smooth and polished finish.
In conclusion, the Blue Lotus and Silent Brown switches offer different subjective qualities. The Blue Lotus switches provide a distinct tactile feel and a snappy responsiveness, while the Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable and gentle typing experience with a muted sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results for newcomers seeking a mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences.
If you value a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Blue Lotus is the switch for you. With its slightly reduced travel and prominent amount of tactility, typing on the Blue Lotus switches will feel snappy and accented. Additionally, the detachable light column adds a vibrant and visually appealing RGB illumination to your keyboard. However, it's important to note that the Blue Lotus has a bassy sound profile, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown is an excellent choice. With a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown offers a buttery and polished typing sensation. The muted sound profile ensures a softer and quieter typing experience, making these switches ideal for those who prefer minimal noise.
Ultimately, both switches offer their unique advantages and it comes down to what qualities you value in a keyboard switch. Whether you prefer the swiftness and tactile intensity of the Blue Lotus or the comfort and muted sound of the Silent Brown, both switches are reliable options for a satisfying typing experience.
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