Cherry MX Red vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the key differences between the two. The Cherry MX Red is a linear switch known for its slightly heavier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for the discerning typist, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance for extended typing sessions. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the White Lotus is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. Choosing the right switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Durock White Lotus switches, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housing materials. Therefore, users can expect to experience similar sound qualities when using either the MX Red or the White Lotus switches due to their shared use of nylon for the housing.
However, while both switches feature nylon housing materials, the White Lotus switch also incorporates a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing. This blend gives the White Lotus a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Cherry MX Red. The use of a blend of PC and UPE materials may offer different acoustic properties and tactile sensations compared to the Cherry MX Red's nylon housing. This could result in a slightly different typing experience for users who are looking for a more distinctive feel and sound from their switches.
In terms of construction, the bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. With both the Cherry MX Red and Durock White Lotus switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar bottom-out experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the White Lotus's unique blend of PC and UPE for its top housing may provide a different sound profile and typing sensation upon key release compared to the Cherry MX Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the White Lotus's 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the White Lotus at 56 grams is heavier than the MX Red, for which this information is not available. The MX Red may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the White Lotus offers a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing feel due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force for their typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users will experience a similar keypress feel in terms of the distance traveled when using either of these switches. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its linear feel, providing a smooth keystroke with no tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, giving users a more pronounced feedback when typing. Ultimately, while both switches have the same travel distance, their keypress experience differs due to their distinct characteristics.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfyingly deep and bass-heavy tone while typing. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is also low-pitched but offers a more neutral sound, making it suitable for various environments and users. Both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the MX Red leaning towards a deeper tone and the White Lotus offering a more versatile sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, providing a noticeable friction when pressed that some users may prefer for added tactile feedback. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. With its mild and subtle characteristics, the White Lotus switch provides a gentle typing feel that caters to a wide range of users, ensuring a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Red and Durock White Lotus switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the MX Red offers a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, the White Lotus provides a delicate tactility and a more neutral sound, making it suitable for diverse environments. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve. Both switches offer quality performance and with careful consideration of your preferences, you can achieve similar results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a robust and slightly heftier feel with deeper sound profile, as well as a switch that offers responsiveness and satisfying auditory depth, the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance and is ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming you, while also enjoying vibrant RGB lighting effects, then the Durock White Lotus tactile switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between Cherry MX Red and Durock White Lotus switches boils down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience on your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
