TTC Iron vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Iron linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch. The TTC Iron is loved for its distinct clacky sound signature and lightweight feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience without fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a delicate tactility that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, while also featuring vibrant RGB lighting effects for added flair. 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
41g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Iron and the Durock White Lotus both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Iron's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a premium and unique feel. These differences in top housing materials result in distinct typing experiences, with the Iron offering a more subdued sound compared to the White Lotus's premium feel.
In terms of bottom housings, the Iron's POM bottom housing and the White Lotus's nylon bottom housing also bring contrasting sound profiles to the switches. The POM material in the Iron offers a pleasing and unique sound, while the nylon material in the White Lotus elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the POM material in the Iron.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the TTC Iron and the Durock White Lotus differ, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience. The impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, the Iron switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the White Lotus switch which has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 56 grams. These differences in force can affect typing experience, with the Iron switch providing a lighter and smoother typing feel, perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the White Lotus switch offers a slightly heavier push for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Iron switch, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may lean towards the White Lotus switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of common travel distances for mechanical keyboard switches, the Iron offers a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Iron for its faster response times, while those who prefer a more robust keypress may opt for the White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding keypress depth and speed of actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Iron linear switch is characterized by its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a crisp and bright tone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a tranquil typing experience. Both switches fall under the descriptor of "neutral," meaning they have a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes and preferences, with the ultimate sound outcome also dependent on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the TTC Iron linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch are defined by their easy-to-press nature. They offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in an effortless and comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended sessions. Additionally, both switches are described as providing a mild typing feel, offering a gentle and approachable experience to most users. The Durock White Lotus switch also includes a subtle characteristic, indicating a gentle resistance with a light typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, while the TTC Iron linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch may differ in their sound profiles and slight nuances in feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their easy-to-press and mild characteristics. Whether you prefer the clacky sound signature of the Iron or the low-pitched sound of the White Lotus, both switches provide a balance of tactility and ease of use that make them appealing choices for enthusiasts and daily users alike. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced clacky sound with light actuation for swift typing sessions, then the TTC Iron switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactility with a balance of RGB lighting effects for a tranquil typing experience, then the Durock White Lotus switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the sound and feel of the switch in your typing setup.
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