Durock Sea Glass vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the Durock Sea Glass and Durock White Lotus switches. Both options offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sea Glass switch series by Durock is well-known for its captivating pastel colors and distinct typing experience. With a blend of materials that creates a dry, wispy, and airy feel, these linear switches retain their smoothness while providing a weightless sensation. They also emit a uniquely hollow sound when typing. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches offer a light tactile experience, designed specifically for users who prioritize a delicate tactile feedback. These switches strike the perfect balance between tactility and ease of use, making them ideal for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches can be customized with vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Sea Glass and the Durock White Lotus have different materials for their top housing. The Sea Glass features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. Although the specific sound profiles are not mentioned for the White Lotus, it can be inferred that it offers a different acoustic experience compared to the Sea Glass. While the Sea Glass focuses on a balanced and bright sound, the White Lotus emphasizes a premium feel without explicitly specifying its sound characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Sea Glass and the White Lotus differ once again. The Sea Glass utilizes the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing as it does for the top housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is slightly brighter. Meanwhile, the White Lotus features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in switch housings absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, while the Sea Glass offers a brighter bottom-out sound, the White Lotus is likely to produce a richer and more resonant sound due to its nylon bottom housing.
Considering the different materials used for both the top and bottom housing, it can be inferred that the Sea Glass and the White Lotus will provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. When using the switch, the bottom housing will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and the feel upon pressing down. If the Sea Glass and the White Lotus were used as examples, the Sea Glass will offer a pleasant and slightly brighter bottom-out sound due to its Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing. Meanwhile, the White Lotus will provide a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing will play a more significant role in determining the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, it is essential to note that both switches aim to offer unique and enjoyable sound profiles, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly lighter than the White Lotus's 46 grams. However, the Sea Glass has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the White Lotus's 56 grams, making the Sea Glass overall slightly heavier than the White Lotus.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Sea Glass with its slightly lighter actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for more extended typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for individuals bringing their keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial and pronounced keystroke may find the White Lotus more suitable. With its slightly heavier actuation force, it provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the Durock Sea Glass and the Durock White Lotus, both fall within the medium to medium-light range. Therefore, regardless of the choice, individuals can expect similar results in terms of key sensitivity and responsiveness, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Sea Glass being towards the shallower end. The Sea Glass, with its shorter travel distance, would be a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial keystroke may find the longer travel distance of the White Lotus to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth. Regardless of the choice made, both switches will provide a satisfying feeling when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Sea Glass linear switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a sound that is distinct and different from other switches. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. This means that there is minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid travel. The Sea Glass switch is also considered mild, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it is described as feathery, requiring very little exertion to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is also easy to press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue. The White Lotus switch is also considered mild and subtle, providing a gentle resistance but still maintaining a light typing feel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and low-impact typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and Durock White Lotus tactile switch have some differences in terms of sound and feel. The Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature, while the White Lotus switch has a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer smooth and effortless typing experiences, with the Sea Glass switch being described as frictionless and the White Lotus switch being easy to press. Additionally, both switches are considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Sea Glass or White Lotus switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a delicate tactility and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a tranquil typing experience, striking the perfect balance between a gentle typing experience and a low-impact feel. With its removable light column, you can also enjoy the mesmerizing radiance of RGB illumination. This switch is perfect for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, its low-pitched sound profile makes it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch that emanates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the perfect option. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, offering a frictionless and effortless typing experience. The hollow sound signature adds to the unique typing experience provided by these switches. With their captivating pastel colors, the Sea Glass switches stand out as a favorite by Durock.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on your personal preference. Consider factors such as the level of tactility and bottom-out force you desire, as well as whether you prefer a light or medium switch. Both switches offer smoothness and a satisfying typing experience, making them suitable for various typing needs.
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