KTT Orange vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Orange and the Durock White Lotus. The KTT Orange switch is best known for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. Its 22mm long spring provides a satisfying bounce, while the polycarbonate milky top housing and vivid orange nylon bottom housing create a sleek aesthetic. With excellent factory-lubing, this switch offers refined, fluid key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is designed with the discerning typist in mind. It boasts a delicate and light tactile feel, striking the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions. In addition, the removable light column allows for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. The White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press experience with low-pitched, mild, neutral, and subtle characteristics. 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

KTT Orange Linear

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Durock White Lotus differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The White Lotus, on the other hand, boasts a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. The specifics of this blend contribute to a distinct typing experience, although the exact sound profile is not stated. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize aesthetics, with the Orange allowing for RGB lighting due to its translucent polycarbonate top housing, and the White Lotus offering a premium feel.

In terms of the bottom housing, the KTT Orange and the Durock White Lotus continue to diverge in their materials and resulting sound profiles. The Orange employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors its top housing in producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Again, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound when the switch is pressed and released. Meanwhile, the White Lotus features a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel when typing.

While the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Durock White Lotus differ for both the top and bottom, it is important to note that these materials contribute to the overall sound profile in distinct ways. The qualities of the polycarbonate housing in the Orange create a sharper and clearer sound when keys are pressed and released. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a combination of modified PC and UPE Blend for its top housing, offering a unique and premium feel, without specifying the sound profile. Similarly, the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharp and resonant characteristics, while the White Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches excel in their commitment to providing an enjoyable and aesthetic typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that they both have an actuation force of 46 grams, providing a consistent level of responsiveness. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Orange requires 53 grams of force, while the White Lotus requires a slightly heavier 56 grams. This slight difference means that the White Lotus offers a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Considering weight in terms of switch force is important, as it impacts typing ergonomics and user preference. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, the Orange switch would be a suitable choice. This light actuation and bottom out force make it ideal for extended typing sessions, such as when using the keyboard at work or during long gaming sessions.

On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger and more satisfying keystroke, may find the White Lotus switch more suitable. With its slightly heavier bottom out force, it provides a tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. This could be particularly appealing to individuals who enjoy a solid and pronounced keystroke.

In conclusion, while both the KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have the same actuation force, their slight difference in bottom out force offers users distinct options. The Orange switch is lighter overall, allowing for extended typing sessions, while the White Lotus switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing requirements.

Travel distance

The KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have distinct travel distances. The Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm. The White Lotus, with its 4 mm travel distance, falls within the traditional range, providing a satisfying depth to key presses. On the other hand, the Orange offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This shorter distance can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances may feel more abrupt to some individuals. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Orange switch and the Durock White Lotus switch have a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you use. Therefore, while both switches may have a similar low-pitched sound, the specific sound you achieve will also depend on the rest of your setup.

In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. These switches have a 22mm long spring, providing a bouncy or elastic feedback sensation. They also have a smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. These switches require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. They provide a low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switch is categorized as mild and subtle, offering a more gentle typing experience with a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Overall, while the Orange switch focuses on a bouncy and frictionless feel, the White Lotus switch prioritizes an easy-to-press and low-impact typing experience.

Considering all the available information, it can be concluded that both the KTT Orange switch and the Durock White Lotus switch offer distinct qualities. The Orange switch is best known for its bouncy and frictionless feel, providing a slick and smooth typing experience. It has a low-pitched sound profile, contributing to a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is designed with a delicate tactility that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort. It offers an easy-to-press and low-impact typing experience, making it suitable for work and extended typing sessions. This switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a pleasing and mellow tone. Despite their differences, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences and can be suitable for different preferences and use cases. Therefore, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, either the KTT Orange or Durock White Lotus switch can deliver satisfactory results depending on your specific preferences.

Conclusion

To summarize, if you prioritize a slick, frictionless typing experience and low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch with its bouncy and frictionless feel would be an excellent choice for you. This switch's factory-lubing ensures smooth key travel that minimizes friction, maximizing your typing speed and comfort. On the other hand, if you are looking for a light tactile switch that strikes the perfect balance between tactility and not overwhelming the user, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. Its delicate tactility is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, while the removable light column allows for captivating RGB lighting effects. Moreover, the White Lotus has easy-to-press keys with a gentle resistance, reducing finger fatigue during long typing periods. With a mild and subtle feel, it provides a gentle typing experience suitable for most individuals and shared spaces. In terms of sound, both switches share a low-pitched profile, making them more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch will depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches and whether you prioritize a bouncy, frictionless feel or a light, tactile experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more