Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, each offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, while also boasting reduced wobble for a more satisfying typing experience. With a moderate 55g actuation weight and a unique removable light column for in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus falls into the categories of 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch lacks specific standout features but is known for providing a tactile feedback that some users prefer. The Brown switch doesn't fall into any specific categories. To choose between these two switches, it is essential to delve deeper beyond generalities and consider personal preferences and typing style. 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
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Brown, it is evident that both switches use different materials for the top and bottom housings. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend for the top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel, while the Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the Black Lotus's housing is not as clear as the polycarbonate housing of the Brown, making it less ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, giving them a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the nylon material.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the Black Lotus and the Outemu Brown switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The Black Lotus and the Brown both absorb more sound with their nylon bottom housings, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent typing feel and sound when using either switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Brown will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Black Lotus offers a premium feel with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, while the Brown provides a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether you prioritize sound quality, aesthetics, or a combination of both, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Brown's 53 grams, but the Black Lotus requires more force to bottom out at 63.5 grams, compared to the Brown's 65 grams. Both switches offer a substantial typing experience, with the Black Lotus being slightly lighter to actuate but heavier to bottom out, while the Brown requires slightly more force to actuate but less force to bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Brown switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that regard. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. This similarity ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable choices for those looking for a reliable keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black 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 Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus is known for its relatively quiet operation due to its smooth design and minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is recognized for producing a subtle tactile bump accompanied by a moderate sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can be further customized based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is highly praised for its silky and buttery smoothness, providing a luxurious typing experience with minimal resistance and consistent keystrokes. This switch also offers a mild feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a tactile bump and a moderate actuation force, giving users a noticeable feedback with each key press. While the specific feel of the Brown switch may vary based on personal preference, it generally caters to those who appreciate a balance between smoothness and feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and consistent typing experience with minimal wobble, while the Outemu Brown offers a tactile bump and moderate actuation force for a satisfying feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver excellent performance and typing comfort. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and precise typing experience with reduced wobble and a unique in-switch lighting option, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not concerned about additional features like in-switch lighting, the Outemu Brown tactile switch could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and desired features in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
