TTC Speed Silver vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Speed Silver and the Durock White Lotus. The Speed Silver switch is well-known for its ability to deliver a fast and precise typing experience. With a light-medium level of resistance and a reduced travel distance, these linear switches allow for quick and effortless actuation, making them ideal for those who value speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it a great choice for work and extended typing sessions. With a removable light column, these tactile switches also allow for 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 specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Speed Silver and the Durock White Lotus differ in their composition, leading to variations in sound and feel. The Speed Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. While both materials offer high-quality housing, the Speed Silver's polycarbonate may result in a slightly more vibrant sound compared to the White Lotus's modified blend.
Both switches also have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is shared by both the Speed Silver and the White Lotus, as they both adopt nylon for their bottom housing. Typing on switches using nylon bottom housings allows for a more satisfying tactile experience, regardless of whether you choose the Speed Silver or the White Lotus.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of a switch, the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are split between the two. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. In contrast, the top housing affects the sound when you release a key, providing a distinct auditory experience. Therefore, although the TTC Speed Silver and the Durock White Lotus differ in their specific housing materials, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience no matter which one you choose.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces are quite similar. Both switches have a medium-light actuation force, with the Speed Silver requiring 45 grams and the White Lotus requiring 46 grams. Similarly, the bottom out forces for both switches are also medium-light, with the Speed Silver requiring 55 grams and the White Lotus requiring 56 grams. This means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of force required for both switches. In terms of weight, neither switch is mentioned to be lighter or heavier than the other, suggesting that they are equal in this regard. Therefore, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel, both switches will provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have different travel distances. The Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls within the more traditional range.
For gamers or individuals seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver may be preferred. The shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and potentially increased speed in gaming or typing scenarios. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt or lacking in depth.
For those who prefer a more substantial and tactile key press, the longer travel distance of 4 mm in the White Lotus may be the better choice. The additional distance provides a deeper and more satisfying keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Speed Silver and the Durock White Lotus will depend on personal preferences. Those seeking a faster and more responsive key press may opt for the Speed Silver with its shorter travel distance, while individuals who value a deeper and more tactile experience may prefer the White Lotus with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 TTC Speed Silver switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or in a work setting. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch has a low-pitched sound. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The White Lotus also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing scenarios. It's important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Speed Silver switch provides a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a gentle feel during key presses, making it approachable for most users. The switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The polished finish reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch also has a mild typing experience, providing a safe middle-ground feel. Additionally, it is described as subtle, meaning it has a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the TTC Speed Silver and Durock White Lotus switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Speed Silver offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel. It is suitable for those who value a fast and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch has a low-pitched sound and offers a light tactile experience. It strikes a balance between tactility and comfort, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Despite their differences, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience and can be chosen based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you value a fast and precise typing experience and prefer a switch with reduced travel distance, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its light-medium level of resistance and pristine sound profile, the Speed Silver provides a smooth and effortless actuation. On the other hand, if you are looking for a delicate tactile option that strikes the perfect balance between tactility and comfort, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a gentle resistance and enhance the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding visual appeal to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Speed Silver and Durock White Lotus switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience you desire.
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