Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and TTC Silent Red are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and benefits. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock provide a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches deliver a marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying feedback while typing. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining impressive performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches are ideal for individuals seeking a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise. These switches offer a muted sound profile, making them perfect for use in office or shared living spaces. With a consistent and smooth feel from top to bottom, the Silent Reds provide a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the most suitable switch for your needs.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Silent Red differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This material does not provide a clear sound profile, but it can offer a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both materials offer their own advantages, the Blue Lotus focuses more on tactile feedback while the Silent Red prioritizes sound clarity.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Blue Lotus and the Silent Red are both made of nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This material is shared by both switches, so they are likely to provide similar sound profiles when bottoming out keys. This similarity in housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent sound quality and typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in its overall performance. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the impact of the top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key. This differentiation means that the Blue Lotus and Silent Red will provide distinct sensations during typing. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing will offer a premium tactile feel when pressing down keys, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red will deliver a sharper sound when keys are released. Therefore, both switches offer their own unique experiences, with the Blue Lotus emphasizing tactile feedback and the Silent Red focusing on sound clarity during key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Silent Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range. In terms of weight, both switches offer a similar level of resistance, which may provide a comparable typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter feel may enjoy the slightly lower actuation force of the Silent Red, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. Conversely, users seeking a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the slightly higher actuation force of the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor in determining the overall feel and responsiveness of a keyboard. In the case of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both switches have an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. Consequently, whether one chooses the Blue Lotus or the Silent Red, they can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses. This means that the sound produced by these switches has a lower frequency range, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a muted sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Red switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as an accented, snappy, and stepped switch. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches deliver a prominent amount of tactile feedback. Snappy switches are known for their super responsive nature, which is achieved through longer or dual-staged springs. Using Blue Lotus switches will make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, these switches have a stepped feel, meaning that there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel. The buttery nature implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic ensures a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Lastly, the polished aspect of these switches contributes to a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out for its marked tactile feel, vibrant RGB illumination, and snappy responsiveness. It offers a bassy sound profile that adds depth and richness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch shines with its smooth and seamless typing experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments like offices or shared living spaces. It provides a muted sound profile and a comfortable padded bottom-out feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a tactile feel with a deeper sound profile, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. If you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Red will deliver similar results with its muted sound and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs.
If you value a tactile typing experience with a marked tactile feel, the Blue Lotus switches are an excellent choice. With their slightly reduced travel and prominent tactility, these switches offer a snappy and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, adding visual appeal to your keyboard.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience, the Silent Reds are the perfect option. These switches deliver a seamless and uniform typing sensation, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Their muted sound profile makes them ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise reduction is important.
In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling bass tones. On the other hand, the Silent Reds provide a softer and quieter sound, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. They provide a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. In contrast, the Silent Reds are described as buttery, mild, and polished. They offer a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, you should consider your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Silent Red switches.
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