Gateron Type A vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Type A and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Type A linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Type A, featured in Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," is celebrated for its medium-weight feel and deep sound signature, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are renowned for their light tactile feedback, providing a delicate yet satisfying typing sensation perfect for long work sessions. While the Type A is ideal for a neutral and subdued typing experience, the White Lotus offers easy-to-press keys with low-pitched and subtle tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Type A and the Durock White Lotus switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Type A uses a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, providing a premium and unique feel to the switch. While both housing materials aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinct characteristics, the Type A's nylon top housing focuses on creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the White Lotus's top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Type A and the Durock White Lotus switches utilize a nylon material. This classic switch housing material enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall for both switches. While the bottom housing may have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the Gateron Type A and Durock White Lotus switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their housing materials. While the Type A focuses on the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housing to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the White Lotus incorporates a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing for a premium feel. Whether typing on the Type A or the White Lotus, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and overall typing experience due to the qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Type A linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that both have relatively light actuation forces, with the White Lotus being slightly lighter at 46 grams compared to the Type A's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Type A is lighter at 55 grams compared to the White Lotus's 56 grams. Both switches can provide a smooth typing experience, with the Type A offering a slightly lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the White Lotus. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the White Lotus, while those who prefer a slightly firmer feel may opt for the Type A. Ultimately, the differences in force between these switches may not be significant enough to make a drastic impact on typing performance, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out with either switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Type A linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance indicates that the typing experience with both switches will be consistent in terms of the amount of keypress travel. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance, providing a familiar typing feel for users who prefer either linear or tactile switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Type A linear switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various settings without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound that is gentle on the ears and ideal for quiet environments. Both switches offer pleasing sound signatures that are not too distracting, allowing for a smooth typing experience without excessive noise.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Type A switch's qualities are unknown, but the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is known for offering an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing experience. These characteristics result in a gentle resistance, comfortable typing feel, and reduced finger fatigue during extended use. The White Lotus switches strike a balance between being responsive and low-impact, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Type A linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Type A leans towards a neutral and subdued sound with its medium-weight feel, the White Lotus provides a low-pitched sound and a gentle typing experience with its light tactility. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience with their unique characteristics, allowing you to achieve similar results in terms of overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Type A linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a slightly lower bottom out force and a sound signature that leans towards the deeper side, the Type A might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a light tactile switch with a delicate tactility that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, along with the added bonus of removable light columns for RGB lighting effects, then the White Lotus switch would be a perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to ensure the best keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
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