KTT Pine vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself deciding between two popular options: the KTT Pine and the Durock White Lotus. The KTT Pine is a linear switch that is best known for its medium-heavy weight, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing experience. With its polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches are designed to minimize friction and provide smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch that offers a delicate tactility, striking the perfect balance between feedback and comfort. It is specifically designed for discerning typists and is ideal for long work sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing 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 perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Durock White Lotus differ in their compositions. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Pine creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a cleaner and more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the modified PC and UPE blend top housing of the White Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, suggesting a more luxurious typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Pine incorporates polycarbonate, similar to its top housing material. This leads to a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with a sharper and more resonant sound on both key press and release. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing. This choice of material offers a different typing experience, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys.
Although the top and bottom housings differ for the KTT Pine and the Durock White Lotus, they both excel in their respective sound profiles. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Pine emphasizing clarity and resonance, and the White Lotus prioritizing a deeper and fuller sound. However, it is important to note that the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound upon key release, while the bottom housing influences the sound and feel during bottom-out. Therefore, while the materials differ, both switches strive to deliver satisfying and unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that they are quite similar in terms of weight. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, both of which fall under the category of medium in terms of force required. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams but a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, which puts it in the medium-light range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches offer a satisfactory level of actuation force. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making them suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and forceful typing feel, the Pine switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice. The Durock White Lotus, with its lighter bottom out force, may provide a slightly less bold typing experience but still offers a tactile feedback for those who desire it.
In summary, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Pine and White Lotus switches differ slightly, they both fall within the medium range. The decision between the two ultimately boils down to personal preference, with the Pine offering a slightly heavier typing experience and the White Lotus providing a slightly lighter one.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will yield similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switch is best described as having a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound of the keystrokes will have a deep and rich quality with lower frequencies, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch also has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound will be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a pleasant and soothing sound during typing, making them suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is often described as buttery and creamy. This means that typing on these switches will provide a smooth and fluid experience, as if your fingers are effortlessly gliding across the keys. The Durock White Lotus tactile switch, on the other hand, is known for being easy-to-press and mild. Typing on these switches requires minimal force to activate, offering a gentle resistance and low-impact typing feel. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feel of both switches provides a pleasant typing experience, with the Pine switches focusing more on the smoothness and the White Lotus switches emphasizing ease-of-use and comfort.
Overall, the KTT Pine linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switches provide a bassy sound and a buttery, creamy feel, creating a typing experience that is smooth and rich. The White Lotus switches, on the other hand, have a low-pitched sound and offer an easy-to-press, mild feel, providing a more gentle and comfortable typing experience. Both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, offering different options for different preferences. It's worth noting that individual preferences may vary, and it is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one suits your personal typing style and preferences. Nevertheless, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a pleasant and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy, smooth typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches offer a buttery and creamy feel that allows for effortless and uniform typing. The Pine switches also provide a low-pitched and bassy sound profile during key presses, which can add depth and richness to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile option, the Durock White Lotus switches are a great choice. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, these switches strike the perfect balance between tactility and ease of use. They offer a mild and subtle typing feel, making them comfortable and suitable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches have a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Pine switches, which provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and heavy typing feel with a deeper sound profile, the Pine switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter tactile experience and a more gentle typing feel, the White Lotus switches will be more suitable for you. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's important to consider your own typing style and preferences when making a decision.
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