Kailh Plum vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Plum and the Durock White Lotus. The Plum switch is unique in that it feels quite hefty but doesn't have a dramatic tactile bump like other switches. This makes it stand out from the crowd, providing a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is designed with the discerning typist in mind. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, 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. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Plum Tactile

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Durock White Lotus have some similarities and differences. Both switches have a polycarbonate top housing, albeit with slight variations. The Plum's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. While they may differ in feel, both housing materials are suitable for use with RGB lighting due to their translucency.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon as their material. This choice is popular for classic switch housings. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Typing on both the Plum and the White Lotus elicits this characteristic sound due to the nylon bottom housing. The duller and rounder sound created by nylon adds to the overall typing experience of these switches.

While the materials used for the top and bottom housings may differ between the Plum and the White Lotus, their impact on the overall switch performance is divided. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience with their respective housing materials, ensuring quality performance and satisfying sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that they offer differing experiences. The Plum switch has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to determine how light or heavy it is in comparison. However, its bottom out force is measured at 70 grams, which falls within the medium-heavy range. In contrast, the White Lotus switch has a noticeably lighter actuation force of 46 grams, providing a light and smooth keystroke. Similarly, its bottom out force is measured at 56 grams, which is medium-light.

The weight of a switch is an important consideration for individuals who value typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the White Lotus switch to be more suitable as it requires less force to initiate a keystroke. This can be ideal for extended periods of typing, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Plum switch, as it offers a heavier bottom out force. This can provide a stronger push feel and a sense of durability during typing.

Although the actuation forces for both switches are unknown, it can be inferred that the White Lotus switch is lighter in actuation force compared to the Plum switch based on their respective bottom out forces. For those seeking similar results of a lighter typing experience, the White Lotus switch would be a more suitable option. However, if a heavier typing experience is preferred, the Plum switch would provide that satisfying sensation. Ultimately, personal preferences and typing styles will determine which switch is more suitable for an individual's needs.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Plum. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, gamers tend to prefer switches with shorter distances for faster response times. If you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Plum with its 3.6 mm travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some people find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer switches with deeper travel. In this case, the White Lotus with its longer 4 mm distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is described as having a neutral profile, which means it has a moderate sound with no specific emphasis on bass or treble frequencies. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is characterized as having a low-pitched sound. This means it has a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Similar to the Plum switch, the White Lotus switch also has a neutral sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is described as offering a mild typing experience with a safe, middle-ground feel. It provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Plum switch is considered a stepped switch, which means it has a two-stage feeling where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This switch requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. It enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. Similar to the Plum switch, the White Lotus switch is also considered mild and provides a safe, middle-ground typing experience. Moreover, it is characterized as having a subtle resistance, which is not too feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of the White Lotus switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.

In conclusion, the Kailh Plum tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of a hefty feel with a less pronounced tactile bump. It has a neutral sound profile and offers a mild and stepped typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is cherished for its delicate tactility, ideal for work and extended typing sessions. It has a low-pitched sound profile, an easy-to-press feel, and offers a subtle resistance. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience without overwhelming the user. While they differ in certain aspects, such as sound and feel, they both offer enjoyable and balanced performance. So, if you are looking for a similar result, either switch would be a suitable option based on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are searching for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Kailh Plum switch might be the best choice for you. These switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a delicate tactility and easy-to-press feel, the Durock White Lotus switch would be ideal. With a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, these switches provide a tranquil typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the removable light column allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Plum and Durock White Lotus switches depends on your preference for weightiness, tactility, sound, and lighting effects.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more