TTC Flame Red vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two top contenders that you should consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Durock White Lotus. The Flame Red switches are well-known for their stunning visuals, thanks to their dazzling light diffuser, making them the perfect choice for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance. These switches are ideal for work and extended typing sessions, providing just the right amount of tactile feedback without overwhelming the user. Additionally, they feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that add an enchanting glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Durock White Lotus switches differ in terms of their composition. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. While the specific characteristics of this blend are not mentioned, it implies that it might have a different tactile experience compared to the Flame Red's nylon housing.
Both switches, however, share a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the Flame Red and the White Lotus will provide similar experiences since they both have nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials play a significant role. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing of the switch comes into play when you release a key. The Flame Red's nylon top housing is softer and absorbs more sound, potentially providing a unique sound profile when keys are released. On the other hand, the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing may offer a different quality to the sound upon key release, although the specific characteristics are not mentioned.
In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Durock White Lotus switches differ in their top housing. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, while the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing. However, they both share a nylon bottom housing. The differences in housing materials may result in variations in sound profile and tactile experience, particularly when pressing down and releasing keys. Understanding the impact of housing materials is vital for enthusiasts seeking specific sound and feel qualities in their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that both switches are similar in terms of force required for keystrokes. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. Both switches fall into the category of medium-light switches.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In this regard, both the Flame Red and White Lotus would provide similar results, as they have similar actuation forces and bottom out forces. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for options with heavier forces. While the exact weight distribution between the actuation and bottom out forces is unknown for these switches, the Flame Red can be considered as lighter compared to the White Lotus, as it has a slightly lower actuation force and bottom out force. Nonetheless, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience within the medium-light range of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch are both 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar experience in terms of the distance they travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. Therefore, users can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance regardless of their choice between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
The Durock White 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 White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or at work. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch provides a low-pitched sound with a moderate actuation force requirement. This creates a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a suitable sound profile for different preferences, and the ultimate sound you experience will also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish. This means that it provides a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The smooth and refined finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Similarly, the White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches offer a gentle and approachable typing experience, with the Flame Red switch leaning towards a more polished feel and the White Lotus switch emphasizing low-impact typing.
In conclusion, the Flame Red and White Lotus switches offer different subjective qualities for those seeking a mechanical keyboard switch. The Flame Red boasts a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a heavier and more pronounced typing experience. Additionally, its dazzling light diffuser adds a visually captivating element to backlit, RGB keyboards. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch provides a delicate tactility and low-pitched sound, striking a perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions. Its removable light column allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a mesmerizing glow to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for feel, sound, and visual aesthetics. Regardless of the option chosen, both switches are suitable for various purposes and offer a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Summarizing, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the ideal choice for you, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you are a discerning typist who values a delicate tactility without overwhelming feedback, coupled with the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, then the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the perfect fit. When it comes to sound, the Flame Red offers a neutral profile suitable for various environments and skill levels. Whereas, the White Lotus provides a low-pitched tone, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound experience. In terms of feel, the Flame Red offers a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a safe and refined performance. On the other hand, the White Lotus provides an easy-to-press and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your preference should be driven by whether you prioritize visuals, sound, or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch.