TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to the desired typing experience, and two notable options in this domain are the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility and smooth key presses, making it an attractive choice for users across diverse environments—from fast-paced gaming to productive office work or relaxing typing moments. Its neutral sound profile ensures that it won't disturb others, hitting just the right balance between auditory presence and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus appeals to those who appreciate tactile feedback without the harshness of more pronounced switches. With its gentle tactile bump, it offers comfort for extended typing sessions while also allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects thanks to its removable light column. Each switch caters to different preferences; the Gold Red Pro is ideal for those who value speed and silence, while the White Lotus entices users who enjoy a bit of tactile interaction and aesthetic enhancement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock White Lotus, clear distinctions are evident in their top housing compositions. The Gold Red Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This quality not only enhances sound resonance but also ensures that any RGB lighting has a striking transparent effect, making it ideal for users who appreciate visual aesthetics alongside functional performance. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE, which bestows the switch with a more premium feel. While both materials allow some level of transparency, the modified blend may alter the acoustics, providing a different tonal fingerprint when a key is released.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings, revealing a shared characteristic that influences their auditory performance. Nylon, known for its softer composition, is effective in absorbing sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This similarity means that users of either switch can expect a luxurious typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, which can be particularly desirable for those who favor quieter operation. As both designs incorporate nylon, the impact on the sound and feel becomes more consistent, reinforcing the overall quality of the switch's performance at the bottom-out level.
While the distinct materials used for the top housing of the Gold Red Pro and White Lotus may lead to different auditory experiences during actuation, the shared nylon bottom housing serves to unify their sound profiles in terms of depth and richness. The contrasting characteristics of polycarbonate and the modified PC & UPE blend may influence how the keys sound when released, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a sharper response and the White Lotus potentially offering a more nuanced warmth. Users anticipating interaction with either switch can expect noteworthy distinctions between the initial onset of the key press and the softer sounds produced upon release, converging in a rich and engaging typing experience that bridges the two designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences in weight and feel. The Gold Red Pro features an actuation force of 43 grams, while the actuation force for the White Lotus is slightly heavier at 46 grams. This means that the Gold Red Pro is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a switch that allows for longer typing sessions or intense gaming. However, the Durock White Lotus has a bottom out force of 56 grams, indicating a more substantial tactile feedback when pressed all the way down, contrasting with the unknown bottom out force of the Gold Red Pro. For those who appreciate a heavier feeling when typing, the White Lotus offers a firmer experience, whereas the Gold Red Pro's light actuation could result in less fatigue over time. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for weight and feedback in typing or gaming scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that they differ, with the Gold Red Pro measuring 3.8 mm and the White Lotus at 4.0 mm. The Gold Red Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker responsiveness, as it allows for faster key presses and can enhance performance in fast-paced situations. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on an individual's preference for either rapid key presses or a deeper, more satisfying actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock White Lotus exhibit low-pitched and neutral sound profiles, making them suitable for various environments. The Gold Red Pro is known for its thocky and rich tones, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that is neither too loud nor too quiet, ensuring a comfortable experience whether you’re working or gaming. Similarly, the White Lotus also features a low-pitched tone, aligning with that mellow atmosphere while maintaining a neutral acoustics. This makes both switches comparable in their audio experience, allowing them to blend well in shared spaces or personal setups without being overwhelming.
Regarding feel, the Gold Red Pro stands out with its polished and silky characteristics, offering a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance that enhances the overall tactile feedback. This switch is designed to reduce friction and promote comfort during long typing sessions, appealing to users who appreciate a smooth, gentle touch. The White Lotus also matches up well, featuring easy-to-press mechanisms that require minimal force, making it comfortable for extended use. It shares a mild and subtle resistance akin to the Gold Red Pro, ensuring that both switches provide a gentle typing experience that doesn’t tire your fingers, making them approachable for users of varying typing styles.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provide remarkable versatility and comfort. While they differ in their tactile feedback—linear versus tactile—their sound profiles and smoothness create a great typing experience suitable for various tasks. Whether you lean towards the seamless floating feel of the Gold Red Pro or the delicately tactile response of the White Lotus, both switches promise to deliver a pleasant auditory and tactile experience in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch will largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for versatility and a seamless typing experience across various activities—be it gaming, office work, or casual typing—the Gold Red Pro is an excellent fit. Its polished, silky feel and neutral sound signature make it accessible and harmonious for nearly any environment. However, if you're focused on extended typing sessions and appreciate a tactile experience without being overwhelmed, the Durock White Lotus would be the better option. Its light tactile feedback and easy-to-press design minimize finger fatigue and enhance comfort, while also delivering pleasant RGB lighting effects for a visually appealing setup. Ultimately, prioritize the type of feedback and performance you desire, as well as the environments where you’ll use your keyboard, to make the best switch choice for you.
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