KTT Semi Mute vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Semi Mute and the Durock White Lotus. If you prioritize a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the Semi Mute is an excellent choice. Despite its name, it operates completely silently and features advanced dampening technology for a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. On the other hand, if you are a discerning typist looking for a light tactile switch, the White Lotus is a fantastic option. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches come with a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and captivating RGB lighting effects, adding a mesmerizing glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

KTT Semi Mute Linear

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the Durock White Lotus differ in several aspects. The Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing is also translucent, making it ideal for accommodating RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. While specific details about the sound profile of the White Lotus's top housing are not provided, it is safe to assume that it offers a different acoustic experience compared to the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the KTT Semi Mute sticks with polycarbonate as its choice of material. Just like in the top housing, this enables a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the switch. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition. The use of nylon in the White Lotus's bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This presents a contrast to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute.

While the top and bottom housings of the KTT Semi Mute and the Durock White Lotus offer distinct qualities, it is worth noting that each housing material brings different advantages to the switches. The bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Although exact sound profiles and sensory experiences may differ between the two switches, both the Semi Mute and the White Lotus aim to provide high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, even though the housing materials diverge, users can expect similarly favorable results in terms of switch performance and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Semi Mute is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the White Lotus is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Semi Mute may be the better choice as its lower actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes. This can be particularly beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or for those who require a keyboard for work or gaming. In contrast, the White Lotus provides a slightly stronger push feel with its higher actuation force, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance.

When it comes to bottoming out, both switches have relatively similar forces. The Semi Mute requires a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the White Lotus requires 56 grams, indicating that they both offer a relatively consistent feel when pressing the keys all the way down. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of key travel and the tactile response upon reaching the bottoming out point.

Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch will depend on an individual's personal preference. Whether one favors a lighter or heavier force for their typing experience, both switches provide an optimal balance of actuation and bottom out forces to cater to different typing styles and preferences.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When pressing down on a key, you will experience the same feeling of travel on both switches. Thus, whether you choose the KTT Semi Mute or the Durock White Lotus, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Semi Mute is best described as producing a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The White Lotus, on the other hand, is described as having a low-pitched sound, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound level that suits most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch is known for its buttery feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It is also described as having a mild feel, which means it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The White Lotus, on the other hand, is considered easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switch is also described as having a mild and subtle feel, meaning it provides a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces.

Taking all the available information into account, both the KTT Semi Mute and Durock White Lotus switches have their unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Semi Mute switch excels in providing a muted sound and a buttery feel, offering a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press, gentle typing feel, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and typing needs, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. If you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Semi Mute switch would be a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and minimal resistance, the White Lotus switch would be an excellent option. With either switch, you can expect similar levels of satisfaction and quality.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, particularly during late-night sessions. With its completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. They have a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a moderate actuation force requirement. Additionally, the Semi Mute switches are described as having a muted sound profile and a buttery feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is ideal for individuals who desire a delicate tactility without overwhelming the user. These switches strike the perfect balance between a light tactile feel and a moderate actuation force, making them suitable for work and extended typing sessions. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, the White Lotus switches offer a low-pitched sound profile and an easy-to-press, mild typing experience. They also feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches depends on your preference for a noise-free environment and linear actuation (Semi Mute) or a delicate tactile feel and removable light column (White Lotus).

Mentioned in this article

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more