TTC Ice vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and the Durock White Lotus offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The TTC Ice, recognized for its crystal-clear design, is a linear switch that provides a smooth and responsive feel, along with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for both gaming enthusiasts and those who type extensively on a daily basis. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus introduces a light tactile experience specifically designed for the discerning typist. With its delicate tactility and an emphasis on comfort during long typing sessions, it ensures that users remain focused without being overwhelmed. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column that enhances the keyboard's aesthetic with vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a mesmerizing glow. While both switches present compelling reasons for consideration—whether it's the Ice's seamless performance or the White Lotus's tactile elegance—let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Durock White Lotus switches, significant differences emerge, particularly in the composition of the top housings. The TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributable to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sounds produced by the switch. The clear and translucent properties of polycarbonate additionally lend themselves well to RGB lighting, making it an aesthetically pleasing choice for users who appreciate illuminated setups. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing. Though this material includes polycarbonate, its modification with UPE introduces unique characteristics that could potentially affect the switch's sound profile and tactile feel, contributing to a premium sensory experience compared to the pure polycarbonate found in the Ice.
Moving onto the bottom housings, the distinctions become even more pronounced. The TTC Ice is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the properties of its top counterpart. This dual usage of polycarbonate ensures that the characteristics of a sharp and resonant sound are prominent throughout the entire switch. The advantage of this material pairing is that typists and gamers may experience a consistent sound profile from top to bottom. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its sound-absorbing qualities. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This differentiation means that the overall auditory experience within the White Lotus will be more muted and rounded, particularly at the bottom-out stage, creating a contrast to the clearer sounds produced by the Ice.
Overall, the housing materials used in the TTC Ice and Durock White Lotus influence both the sound and tactile feedback experienced by the user. With both switches featuring different housing materials, the effects are felt distinctly—polycarbonate offers clarity and resonance while nylon provides depth and a muted tone. For those seeking similar results, such as a crisp sound profile, the Ice, with its consistent polycarbonate construction, will align well with their needs. Conversely, users who prefer a fuller sound may find the Durock White Lotus's configuration, combining modified polycarbonate in the top and nylon in the bottom, delivers an appealingly rich experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding sound clarity versus depth in their typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Durock White Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams, but a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that while the Ice switch requires a tiny bit less force to actuate, it ultimately requires more force to bottom out compared to the White Lotus. Consequently, the TTC Ice switch can be seen as the heavier option overall, given that its bottom out force is greater. For users who prefer a light touch for extended typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus may be the more favorable choice due to its lower bottom out force, which can provide a less fatiguing typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that the Ice switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice switch may appeal to gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the White Lotus caters to those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their switches, offering a deeper experience with its longer travel distance. Thus, individuals looking for a snappier response may prefer the TTC Ice, while those who enjoy more feedback and a hearty depth in their typing experience would likely favor the Durock White Lotus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Ice linear switch provides a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience without being overly pronounced. Its smooth and responsive actuation allows users to engage in silence without an intrusive sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch features a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched nature contributes to a more mellow auditory experience, while the neutral aspect ensures that the sound isn't disruptive, appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. However, keep in mind that the tonal qualities of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard used and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch offers a fluid and seamless typing experience, characterized by its smooth linear action which allows keys to engage without any tactile bump. This design prioritizes response time, ideal for users who favor gaming alongside regular typing tasks. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus delivers a light, tactile experience that makes it easy to engage with minimal force. With gentle resistance, it promotes comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it accessible for all users. Its mildness and subtlety ensure that the tactile feedback is there without being overwhelming, thus balancing performance and usability.
Overall, both the TTC Ice linear and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches cater to distinct preferences among typists. The Ice offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for those who favor rapid key presses, while the White Lotus excels with its gentle tactile feedback and low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for long typing sessions in shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and responsiveness or a light tactile experience with thoughtful acoustics. Regardless of your selection, both switches are designed to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between TTC Ice linear switches and Durock White Lotus tactile switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth, responsive feel for both gaming and daily typing while enjoying a slightly more pronounced bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice linear switches would be an excellent choice. Their medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balance that caters to various activities, making them versatile for fast-paced gaming sessions as well as more casual use. On the other hand, if you lean towards a softer, tactile typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during longer typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus switches would serve you well. With a lighter bottom-out force of 56 grams and a gentle tactile feedback, these switches help you maintain comfort and efficiency without overwhelming you with noise. The White Lotus switches are also ideal for shared environments, as their low-pitched and neutral sound profile promotes a serene auditory experience. Therefore, consider what aspects of typing mean the most to you: whether it's the smoothness and responsiveness of a linear switch or the subtle, tactile feedback combined with a lighter touch that a tactile switch provides.
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