TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock White Lotus, both tactile switches. The Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and nuanced typing experience with its gentle tactile bump and quiet operation, perfect for those who prefer a more understated typing sensation. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches provide a light tactile feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, enhanced by their vibrant RGB lighting effects. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished and thocky, the White Lotus is easy-to-press and subtle. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock White Lotus, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing is particularly beneficial for those interested in RGB lighting due to its translucency. Similarly, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the White Lotus also utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a rounder and duller sound, providing a more subtle typing experience. With both switches incorporating nylon into their bottom housings, users can expect a similar sound profile, but the unique feel of the switches may vary based on other factors such as stem material and spring weight.
The division of housing materials in the Gold Brown Pro and White Lotus impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether it be polycarbonate or nylon, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The top housing material, on the other hand, will have more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, both switches offer a blend of different housing materials to create a well-rounded typing experience, catering to the preferences of different users seeking specific sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 46 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Durock White Lotus is heavier with a bottom out force of 56 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro. This means that the Gold Brown Pro may feel lighter to type on initially, while the White Lotus will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the Durock White Lotus. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro being slightly shallower and the White Lotus providing a bit more depth, the difference between the two may not be significant for most users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key may prefer the White Lotus. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfactory travel distance that should meet the needs of most users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is characterized as thocky, offering a satisfying deep thud or soft knock when pressed and released. It also has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch also features a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, emphasizing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This means that both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience with subtle differences in tone. When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and a two-stage tactile feel. In contrast, the White Lotus switch is labeled as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, offering a low-impact typing feel with minimal force required for activation. Overall, both switches deliver a comfortable and approachable typing experience, catering to users who prefer a delicate tactile feedback without overwhelming sound levels. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Durock White Lotus switches will depend on personal preferences for sound profile and tactile feel, but rest assured that both options will offer a satisfying typing experience with subtle nuances that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a subtle tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, then the Gold Brown Pro is the ideal choice for an understated typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a light tactile switch with a delicate tactility that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, then the White Lotus would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle and nuanced typing feel (Gold Brown Pro) or a light and illuminating typing experience (White Lotus). Consider your typing style and preferences to choose the switch that best aligns with your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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