TTC Silent Red vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that combines a smooth typing experience with a quiet operation, the TTC Silent Red is the perfect choice. These linear switches are renowned for their buttery smoothness and muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. Not only do they provide a consistent feel from top to bottom, but they also offer a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. On the other hand, if you're seeking a light tactile option that perfectly balances delicacy and functionality, the Durock White Lotus is worth considering. These tactile switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a subtle tactile bump without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and captivating RGB lighting effects. Both switches have their own unique qualities and advantages, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Silent Red Linear

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Durock White Lotus have some notable similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal. Alternatively, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. While both materials contribute to enhancing the sound profile of the switches, they offer distinct characteristics.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Silent Red and the White Lotus employ a nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic composition. By absorbing more sound than harder plastics, nylon creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. Therefore, both switches benefit from a similar sound experience due to the shared nylon bottom housing.

It is important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, each housing material brings its own qualities to the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows for further customization and fine-tuning of the sound experience based on personal preferences. In terms of overall performance, while the Silent Red and the White Lotus have their own unique materials for the top and bottom housing, they both provide excellent sound profiles and deliver a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams. Despite this slight difference, both switches fall within the medium range, making them relatively comparable in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.

However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Silent Red appears to be heavier with a measurement of 63.5 grams, whereas the White Lotus is lighter at 56 grams. This discrepancy suggests that the Silent Red may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the White Lotus offers a lighter touch that could be beneficial for extended typing sessions.

Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may gravitate towards the White Lotus, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, those desiring a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Silent Red.

In terms of actuation and bottom out forces, these switches offer a slight variation in their weighting. However, both switches provide a comparable experience in triggering keystrokes, ensuring that users can achieve similar results with either option.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch greatly affects the typing experience, and in the case of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The TTC Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the more traditional 4 mm travel distance of the Durock White Lotus. The shorter travel distance of the Silent Red makes it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The quicker actuation can be advantageous for competitive gaming, providing a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the White Lotus offers a deeper keypress, which some users may find more satisfying and comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference – whether one prefers a shorter, snappier typing experience or a more substantial keypress with a longer travel distance. Nonetheless, both switches provide their own unique benefits, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results based on their preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Red and Durock White Lotus switches have different characteristics. The Silent Red is known for its muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it a great choice for office or shared living spaces where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are described as having a low-pitched sound, which gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The sound is also described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate volume and is suitable for various environments. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The Silent Red switch is often described as buttery, which indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making it easy to glide from key to key. Additionally, it is described as mild, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The switch's polished finish further enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Like the Silent Red, the White Lotus switches are also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. The switches are subtle in terms of resistance and have a sound signature that is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces.

In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and Durock White Lotus switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red is best known for its muted sound profile and buttery, mild feel, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches have a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press, mild feel, making them ideal for users who prefer a more bass-heavy sound and a light typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable and pleasant typing experience, ensuring a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom. Whether you choose the Silent Red or the White Lotus, you can expect similar results in terms of a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the main differences being the sound profile and actuation force.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that is comfortable for most typists. This switch is best suited for office or shared living spaces due to its muted sound profile. Additionally, the Silent Red switch offers a smooth and consistent feel, with a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile experience, the Durock White Lotus switch is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, it offers a medium-light feel that strikes the perfect balance between feedback and ease of typing. The White Lotus switch is designed for those who value delicate tactility and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. It also features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and the Durock White Lotus depends on your typing preferences and environment.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more