SP-Star Duck vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck and the Durock White Lotus are two excellent options to consider. The Duck switches are known for their subtle tactility, offering a gentle feel while typing and producing a clean and crispy sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', these switches provide a pleasant typing experience without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. These switches are ideal for work and extended typing sessions, providing an 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle' experience. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that add 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 ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the Durock White Lotus, they both have distinct qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Duck utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. While it may not have the same sharpness as polycarbonate, the blend offers its own characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Duck switch allows for an enhanced RGB lighting experience, which might be a desirable feature for some users.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the SP-Star Duck and Durock White Lotus take different approaches. The Duck uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, showcasing the same qualities as the top housing. It contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound when bottoming out the keys. On the other hand, the White Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. This softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a slightly different typing experience compared to the Duck switch.
It's important to note that the characteristics of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer their unique qualities, whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of the Duck with its polycarbonate housing, or the deeper and fuller sound of the White Lotus with its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, some notable differences arise. The actuation force of the Duck switch is unavailable, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams. This suggests that the White Lotus requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Duck switch. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Duck switch requiring 58 grams and the White Lotus requiring 56 grams. This means that once the keys are pressed all the way down, they offer a similar level of resistance.
Considering the weight aspect, it is important to note that a lighter switch can be preferable for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. This lighter option is ideal for increased typing endurance and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those seeking a heavier keystroke, options with heavier forces are recommended.
In terms of weight, the comparison reveals that the White Lotus is the lighter option, given its lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, it is important to emphasize that the differences are relatively small, and both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force. Therefore, individuals opting for either the SP-Star Duck or the Durock White Lotus switches can expect similar results in terms of bottoming out.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance as they both travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a clean and crispy sound profile, creating a more subtle and neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provides a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, maintaining a neutral and moderate sound profile. Both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. 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 chosen.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle tactility. It provides a safe middle-ground zone with its mild characteristics, ensuring an approachable sound and feel that most users will find comfortable. Additionally, the Duck switch is described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to the Duck switch, the White Lotus switch also offers a mild and subtle typing feel, with gentle resistance that maintains a light touch. Furthermore, the White Lotus switch is suitable for shared spaces as it produces a non-resonant sound signature.
Overall, both the SP-Star Duck and Durock White Lotus tactile switches provide a pleasurable tactile typing experience with their subtle tactility and mild feel. While the Duck switch offers a clean and crispy sound profile, the White Lotus switch provides a low-pitched tone with a bass-heavy and mellow sound. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of a gentle and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch would be the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactile option that strikes the perfect balance, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is ideal. These switches have a light bottom out force and provide a tranquil typing experience without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects. In terms of sound, the Duck switch has a neutral sound profile, while the White Lotus switch has a low-pitched sound with a neutral undertone. As for feel, the Duck switch offers a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience, while the White Lotus switch provides an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing needs. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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