Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Durock White Lotus. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch characterized by its shorter travel, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch is known for its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch specifically designed for discerning typists. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that can enhance your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Durock White Lotus differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, which gives it a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile. This creates a clacky and satisfying thin sound. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend housing for its top housing, resulting in a unique and premium feel. While the specific sound profile of the White Lotus is not mentioned, it can be inferred that it may be different from the Ink Yellow due to its different housing material.
Another contrasting feature between the two switches is the composition of their bottom housings. The Ink Yellow retains the use of its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, maintaining its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. However, the White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon as a housing material allows for greater sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the qualities of their respective bottom housings.
Despite these differences, it is important to note that the top housing of a switch has a significant impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Since both the Ink Yellow and the White Lotus have unique and distinct housing materials for their top and bottom housings, their sound profiles will likely differ in both key press and release. However, if the top and bottom housings are the same for a switch, such as in the case of the Ink Yellow, the resulting sound profiles will be similar for both key press and release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the White Lotus's lighter actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the Ink Yellow requires a stronger push to trigger a keystroke, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a tactile feedback. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the White Lotus is the lighter option with a bottom out force of 56 grams, whereas the Ink Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the White Lotus more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it allows for a lighter touch to prevent fatigue. Both switches offer a medium level of force, but the Ink Yellow leans towards the heavier end while the White Lotus falls on the lighter side. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have different travel distances. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the White Lotus falls within the standard range of 4.0 mm, while the Ink Yellow is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Gamers, who value quicker response times, tend to prefer shorter travel distances. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Ink Yellow would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper key press, the White Lotus with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow provides a neutral and clacky profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The sound produced by the Ink Yellow switch is crisp, bright, and percussive, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The White Lotus also falls into the neutral category in terms of sound, making it suitable for a wide range of uses. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of the feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a mild and polished typing experience. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. With a safe middle-ground zone, the Ink Yellow switch provides a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers an easy-to-press and mild typing feel. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the White Lotus switches provide a responsive and low-impact typing experience. The White Lotus also has a subtle typing feel, with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces and a sound signature that is not resonant.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Durock White Lotus switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a neutral and clacky sound profile, while the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the White Lotus offers an easy-to-press and mild typing feel. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between a sharper, brighter sound with the Ink Yellow or a more bass-heavy and mellow sound with the White Lotus. Similarly, you can choose between a smoother and refined feel with the Ink Yellow or a low-impact and easy-to-press feel with the White Lotus. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience and are suitable for different use cases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great choice. It offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, providing a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a delicate tactility, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. These switches strike the perfect balance and are ideal for work or extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. In terms of sound, the Ink Yellow has a neutral and clacky sound profile, while the White Lotus produces a low-pitched and neutral sound. When it comes to feel, the Ink Yellow offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the White Lotus provides an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing feel. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing needs. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire.
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