Dareu Master vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and the Durock White Lotus offer distinct qualities to consider. The Dareu Master features The Master switch, a linear switch made of all-POM material, providing a medium weight feel and classic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus introduces a light tactile switch designed for a delicate tactility that is perfect for extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also offer an added bonus of removable light columns for vibrant RGB lighting effects. While the Master switch is known for its smooth operation and medium weight, the White Lotus switch is praised for its gentle tactility and luminous RGB illumination. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Durock White Lotus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Master's POM top housing creates a deep and relatively muted sound, while the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel. In terms of bottom housing, the Master's POM material yields a similar deep and muted sound profile, whereas the White Lotus's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Durock White Lotus differ slightly, both switches aim to provide a pleasing and unique sound experience for users. The POM top and bottom housings of the Master offer a consistent deep and muted sound profile, while the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus adds a touch of premium quality to its sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus enhances the overall sound experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the more muted sound of the POM bottom housing of the Master.
Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Durock White Lotus play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Master focuses on a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing, the White Lotus offers a unique and premium feel with its modified PC & UPE Blend housing. The nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus further enhances the sound experience, providing a fuller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Master. However, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience for users through their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Master is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the White Lotus's 46 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the White Lotus is heavier at 56 grams, while the Master's bottom out force is unknown. This difference in weight can significantly impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Master switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the White Lotus, which provides a stronger push sensation. Both switches offer unique benefits, and choosing between them would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force levels.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that the Master has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the White Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Master switch may be more appealing to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the White Lotus switch may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer different travel distances that cater to individual preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of settings. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the choice between a clacky sound and a low-pitched, neutral sound will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Master switch may appeal more to those who prefer a refined and polished typing feel, while the White Lotus switch is ideal for users who prioritize effortless and low-impact typing.
Considering all the available information, the Dareu Master linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Master switch provides a clacky sound and a mild, polished typing experience, the White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched, neutral sound and an easy-to-press, subtle typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, regardless of which switch is chosen, both are designed to enhance the overall typing experience and provide a unique touch to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Master switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile experience with a delicate tactility that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, the White Lotus switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what sound and feel you prefer in a keyboard switch, so choose wisely based on your personal typing style and preferences.
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