TTC Gold Brown vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock White Lotus are both excellent options to consider. The Gold Browns are known for their balanced nature, offering a slight but satisfying bump that enhances typing feedback. With a moderate weightiness and a softer sound profile, these switches provide a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. These switches are ideal for work and extended typing sessions, providing a tranquil typing experience. Additionally, their removable light column allows for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. 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
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Durock White Lotus differ in their choice of top housing materials. The Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus incorporates a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the Gold Brown's polycarbonate offers a higher-pitched sound, while the White Lotus's blend offers a distinct and luxurious feel.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gold Brown and the White Lotus opt for nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, when typing on either switch, users can expect a similar sound experience due to the shared nylon bottom housing. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
While there are differences between the top housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock White Lotus, their respective nylon bottom housings provide similar sound characteristics. Typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the distinctive qualities of the switches, such as the sharper and crisper sound provided by the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing or the unique and premium feel offered by the White Lotus's blend, will differentiate the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the White Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the White Lotus requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown has a heavier force of 63 grams compared to the White Lotus's bottom out force of 56 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range, but the Gold Brown provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. However, if one prefers a lighter typing feel, the White Lotus would be the better choice, as it offers slightly lighter forces for both actuation and bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences, with the Gold Brown offering a heavier option and the White Lotus providing a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they both travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of the distance they feel when pressing down on a key with either switch. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both share the same travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold 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 Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 switches have a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches, although not completely silent. They are described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are described as having a low-pitched sound, meaning they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Similar to the Gold Brown, they are also described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various uses. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switches offer a mild typing experience with a satisfying and slight bump. They are described as having a buttery and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The Gold Brown switches fall into the category of accented switches, which means they provide a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This makes them suitable for most users who prefer a balanced typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. They provide an effortless and comfortable typing experience with a mild and subtle typing feel. The White Lotus switches are considered low-impact and can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Based on the available information, the Gold Brown switches have a balanced sound profile and a mild, buttery, accented, and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches have a low-pitched sound profile and provide an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing experience. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most users. While the Gold Brown switches have a more pronounced tactile bump, the White Lotus switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. If you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a slightly softer sound, the Gold Brown switches would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a light tactile option with a mellow sound and low-impact feel, the White Lotus switches would be a perfect fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a balanced feel and a slight, satisfying bump, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile experience that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is your best bet. These switches strike the perfect balance between tactility and user comfort, while also featuring a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects. In terms of sound, the Gold Brown provides a neutral sound profile, while the White Lotus has a low-pitched tone. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown offers a mild, buttery, accented, and polished typing experience, while the White Lotus provides an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs. Whichever option you choose, both the TTC Gold Brown and Durock White Lotus switches are excellent choices for a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
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