Durock Light Tactile vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and Durock White Lotus are two popular options that offer different features and experiences. The Light Tactile switch stands out with its gentle tactility, offering a softer and more pleasant typing experience compared to sharper tactile switches commonly found on the market. Additionally, it provides a unique jelly-like sound signature to enhance the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is designed with the discerning typist in mind, providing a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. This makes it ideal for both work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. One notable feature of the White Lotus switch is its removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects that can add a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. These switches are categorized as easy-to-press, low-pitched, mild, neutral, and subtle. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Durock White Lotus differ in their top housing materials. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. While both materials offer distinct advantages, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing may be more preferred for those seeking a sharper and brighter sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Light Tactile and the White Lotus employ nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Consequently, both switches provide a more immersive typing experience, offering users a satisfying auditory feedback. The use of nylon in the bottom housing remains consistent between the Light Tactile and the White Lotus, ensuring a similar sound profile for both switches.
It's important to note that when different housing materials are used for the top and bottom of a switch, their qualities and attributes are distributed accordingly. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing contributes more to the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in each component can have a noticeable effect on the overall sound signature and typing experience of a switch. Whether it's the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing or the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing, both switches offer distinct advantages in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Light Tactile switch is 52 grams, slightly heavier than the White Lotus switch which requires 46 grams. In terms of the bottom out force, the Light Tactile switch again proves to be heavier with 67 grams compared to the White Lotus switch which bottoms out at 56 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch provides a slightly stronger push feel, making typing feel more substantial, while the White Lotus switch offers a lighter touch.
The weight of these switches is an important consideration for users who have specific preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the White Lotus switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This lighter feel can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Light Tactile switch more suitable. Its heavier actuation force and bottom out force provide a greater resistance, giving a satisfying push feel to the keystrokes.
Regardless of the differences, both switches are designed to provide a tactile typing experience. While the Light Tactile switch may offer a slightly heavier touch compared to the White Lotus switch, the actuation force and bottom out force of both switches fall within the medium range. This means that users can achieve similar results in terms of typing experience, whether they choose the lighter or heavier option. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and the Durock White Lotus switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the same, both measuring 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. Thus, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate level of actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound. It is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched sound. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Similar to the Light Tactile, the White Lotus also has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different typing needs. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls into the category of mild mechanical keyboard switches, which provide a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Light Tactile switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is easy to press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the White Lotus switch enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. Additionally, the White Lotus switch is described as mild, offering qualities that appeal to a wide range of users. Moreover, it has a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel without being overly feather-like. The sound signature of the White Lotus switch is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile and Durock White Lotus switches have different sound profiles, with the Light Tactile having a neutral sound and the White Lotus having a low-pitched sound. They both offer a mild typing experience, with the Light Tactile having a polished finish for a sleek typing feel, and the White Lotus having an easy-to-press design that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches are suitable for various typing needs, whether you are a beginner or experienced user, and can be used in different settings. Overall, these switches provide users with a pleasant and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a gentle and smooth typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be an excellent choice. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. This switch stands out with its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch, the Durock White Lotus switch with a bottom out force of 56 grams would be the ideal option. It strikes the perfect balance between delicate tactility and user comfort, making it perfect for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switch features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. In terms of sound, the Light Tactile switch has a neutral profile, while the White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched sound, offering more bass-heavy and mellow tones. When it comes to feel, the Light Tactile switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is easy-to-press, offering low resistance and effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. It is worth noting that the White Lotus switch also has a mild and subtle feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferred typing experience, bottom out force preference, and desire for RGB lighting effects.