TTC Gold Red vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the Durock White Lotus. The Gold Red is a linear switch that provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for the discerning typist. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. 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
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Durock White Lotus switches, there are some notable differences. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the White Lotus showcases a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives the switch a unique and premium feel. While both materials offer their own advantages, the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes sound quality, while the White Lotus' modified PC and UPE Blend top housing focuses more on providing a luxurious tactile experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red 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. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus offers similar characteristics, creating a deeper and fuller sound experience. In terms of sound, both switches will provide satisfying results with their nylon bottom housings.
It is worth mentioning that the split design of the switches means that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two parts. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced. Overall, while there may be some differences in materials and their effects on sound and feel, both the TTC Gold Red and Durock White Lotus switches offer their respective advantages for a satisfying keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find some interesting differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Gold Red is lighter overall. It has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the White Lotus is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation force, with the Gold Red being slightly lighter. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as those using the keyboard in a professional setting or engaging in long gaming sessions.
However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the slightly heavier forces of the White Lotus may be more suitable. The higher actuation force of 46 grams and the increased bottom out force of 56 grams provide a tactile feedback that some users find more satisfying.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth linear or tactile feel, respectively, with the TTC Gold Red being the lighter option, and the Durock White Lotus providing a slightly heavier and more robust keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switches are known for their thocky and low-pitched sound profile. With a deep and satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released, these switches offer a pleasant auditory experience. The White Lotus switches, on the other hand, also have a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Gold Red, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches fall into the neutral category in terms of sound, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for various purposes and environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, using them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switches are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a gentle typing experience with a safe, middle-ground feel. They are exceptionally smooth and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a polished and sleek typing experience. The White Lotus switches, being tactile, are characterized as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. They provide a low-impact typing feel with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This easy-to-press nature enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. The qualities of both switches in terms of feel are quite similar, offering a comfortable and effortless typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. They have a snappy and thocky sound profile, adding a touch of personality without being ostentatious. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switches are designed for the discerning typist, offering a delicate tactility and a perfectly balanced typing experience. These switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. The White Lotus switches have a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Gold Red, and provide a tranquil typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches offer a gentle and approachable experience, catering to a wide range of typists.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red linear switches and Durock White Lotus tactile switches may differ in some aspects, such as their sound profiles, they provide similar subjective qualities. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience with a comfortable and gentle feel. The sound profiles of both switches fall into the low-pitched and neutral categories, providing a mellow tone suitable for various environments. Whether you choose the Gold Red or the White Lotus, you can expect a positive typing experience with their respective unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, then the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the one for you. These switches offer a light bottom out force of 50 grams, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. The snappy sound profile of the Gold Red switches adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, if you are in search of a switch with a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, then the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the choice to consider. With a medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams, these switches offer a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The White Lotus switches provide a tranquil typing experience and feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference – whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience or a delicate tactile feel.
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