Durock Blue Lotus vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly impact your typing experience, and two interesting options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Yunhai. The Blue Lotus switches stand out for their pronounced tactile feedback and agile response, thanks to a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, making each keystroke feel dynamic and engaging. Perfect for those who crave a definitive tactile sensation, these switches also feature a detachable light column that enhances the RGB lighting effects, adding an eye-catching visual element to their performance. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches offer a smooth and seamless typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, catering to typists who prefer a soft and gentle keypress. Each switch brings its own unique strengths to the table—whether you value the tactile delight and visual flair of the Blue Lotus or the effortless flow of the Yunhai. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the TTC Yunhai both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which gives them a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This is due to nylon's inherent properties as a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound, mitigating sharpness and providing a rounder acoustic quality. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile and auditory feedback when using switches from either brand, showcasing the benefits of nylon in creating a pleasing and subdued sound during keystrokes.
However, the top housings of the two switches diverge significantly in material and composition. The Blue Lotus features a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which is noted for its unique and premium feel, adding a distinct quality to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Yunhai employs a classic nylon material for its top housing, which aligns it more closely with the sound-dampening characteristics of its bottom housing. This difference suggests that while both switches may deliver satisfying auditory feedback, the Blue Lotus would likely introduce a more dynamic tactile sensation on the upstroke due to the harder aesthetic of PC and UPE Blend, contrasting with the merely soft and absorbent nature of the Yunhai's nylon.
Ultimately, while both the Blue Lotus and Yunhai share nylon in their bottom housings leading to a harmonious sound experience, the variation in their top housings creates distinct contrasts in tactile feedback and overall feel. Users who prioritize a premium typing experience might gravitate towards the Blue Lotus for its unique top housing material, whereas those seeking a consistently soft tactile experience across the board might prefer the Yunhai. Both switches cater to different preferences but offer compatible sound profiles due to their shared nylon bottom housing, ensuring satisfactory results for diverse typing needs.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yunhai boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a visibly lighter option. Users who prefer less resistance can find the Yunhai more suitable for extended typing periods or long gaming sessions due to its lighter weights. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer touch may favor the heavier Blue Lotus. In summary, with the Blue Lotus being the heavier option and the Yunhai the lighter, users can choose the switch that best fits their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Blue Lotus offers a marginally deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback during key presses. In contrast, the Yunhai's shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, potentially making it more suitable for gamers or those who favor fast typing without the heft of deeper keystrokes. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the TTC Yunhai linear switch would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, while the Durock Blue Lotus would cater to those who appreciate a more traditional tactile experience with its longer travel distance.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 is characterized by a bassy profile, which lends a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This low-frequency resonance can enhance the auditory experience of typing, creating an engaging atmosphere. In contrast, specific details about the sound profile of the TTC Yunhai switch are unknown, meaning we cannot directly compare its acoustics with the Blue Lotus. However, it's important to remember that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by factors like the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch offers a well-rounded experience with its accentuated tactility, delivering a medium tactile sensation that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle. The snappiness of these switches contributes to their responsiveness, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. Additionally, the stepped tactile profile indicates a dual-stage feel, allowing for a nuanced typing experience that provides clear feedback throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the TTC Yunhai switch is unspecified, leaving its tactile characteristics open to interpretation.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch stands out for its striking sound profile and tactile responsiveness, ideal for typists seeking a satisfying typing experience. The TTC Yunhai linear switch possesses qualities that remain unknown, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in terms of sound and feel. Overall, if you prefer a pronounced tactile feedback with rich sound, the Blue Lotus is an impressive choice, while the Yunhai may appeal to those who favor a gentler, less articulated feedback, though further details are needed for a complete assessment.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with pronounced feedback in your keystrokes, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, it provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing accuracy and speed, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Its distinctive bassy sound profile and snappy responsiveness make it engaging for those who appreciate both auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is the way to go. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams allows for less fatigue during long typing sessions, making it ideal for vast typing work and everyday use. The smooth linear action, combined with a deep, rounded sound profile, offers a subtler and more serene experience, perfect for those who favor quiet environments or require minimal tactile distraction. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you're looking for tactile engagement or a softer, smoother experience—both switches have their unique strengths that cater to different typing preferences.
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