Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Cream Blue. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience without distraction; its 55g actuation weight provides just the right amount of resistance for comfortable, rapid keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue offers a distinctively clicky feedback that many typists appreciate for both its tactile sensation and auditory response, which can enhance the satisfaction of typing for those who enjoy a more traditional feel. Each switch appeals to different preferences: the Black Lotus for its buttery smoothness and minimal wobble ideal for gamers and typists alike, while the Cream Blue is perfect for users who thrive on the pronounced feedback of a clicky switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and Outemu Cream Blue switches, one notable difference is the material composition of their top housings. The Black Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and UPE, which can provide a unique tactile feel and sound signature that distinguishes it from the more conventional nylon top housing found in the Cream Blue. The modified PC and UPE blend may lend the Black Lotus a slightly crisper sound when keys are released due to its harder composition, while the nylon in the Cream Blue is designed to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted and fuller acoustic profile. This fundamental difference impacts the overall typing experience, as users may notice a more pronounced acoustic response from the Black Lotus, while the Cream Blue favors a softer sound.
On the other hand, both switches share the same bottom housing material—nylon—which is a classic choice for mechanical switches. This commonality means that when typing on either switch, users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile at the bottom-out point due to the nylon's inherent sound-absorbing qualities. The nylon in both switches dampens the sound produced when keys are pressed down, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory feedback. Therefore, while the top housings differ in material and acoustic response, the typing feel on the way down will retain a level of similarity thanks to the shared bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Black Lotus and Cream Blue influences the disruptiveness of their outputs upon keypress, resulting in distinctive yet somewhat comparable experiences. The mix of a modified hard housing on the top in the Black Lotus and the soft nylon bottom together creates an engaging tactile experience, whereas the Cream Blue maintains a more classic, rounded profile with its full nylon construction. Users who prioritize subtlety in sound will likely appreciate the Cream Blue for its consistent nylon characteristics, while those experienced in the tactile feedback of modified blends will enjoy the unique feel and sound of the Black Lotus. Both options cater to different preferences, yet they converge in delivering a satisfying bottom-out experience characteristic of nylon construction.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Cream Blue is slightly lighter at 50 grams. This means that the Cream Blue may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches exhibit a medium-heavy feel, with the bottom out forces being 63.5 grams for the Black Lotus and 65 grams for the Cream Blue. This indicates that while the Cream Blue is lighter during actuation, it is marginally heavier when bottoming out. Users looking for a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier Black Lotus for both actuation and bottom out forces, whereas those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Cream Blue favorable, despite its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Black Lotus feels heavier, while the Cream Blue offers a lighter actuation but balances that with a firmer bottom out experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch both feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users will experience the same distance when pressing down on either key. This similarity in travel distance ensures that typists and gamers alike will have a comparable feel when using these switches, regardless of their differing switch characteristics (linear versus clicky). In summary, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, leading to similar key press experiences.
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 Cream Blue 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 Durock Black Lotus linear switch is noted for its nuanced acoustic profile, characterized by a quiet operation that enhances the typing experience without causing distraction. This can largely be attributed to its design, which minimizes any rattling or unwanted noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is expected to produce a distinctly audible click with each keystroke, providing both auditory feedback and a tactile response that many typists find satisfying. The sound quality of these switches can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap combination you choose, but the inherent qualities suggest that if you opt for the Black Lotus, you'll experience a more subdued typing environment, while the Cream Blue will offer a more pronounced auditory signature.
Regarding feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch excels with its silky, buttery, and polished quality, which provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The design minimizes resistance, making each keypress effortless and enjoyable, complemented by a mild actuation weight of 55g that appeals to broad preferences. This switch is engineered to ensure reduced housing and stem wobble, enhancing accuracy and precision during typing. Conversely, the Cream Blue does not emphasize a specific feel, but one could anticipate a more traditional clicky switch experience, where the keypress includes a tactile bump and a definitive click sound, prompting a different typing sensation that some users may find robust but potentially less smooth than the Durock Black Lotus.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers an exceptional experience characterized by a quiet sound profile and a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize precision and comfort. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is more about providing auditory feedback and a distinctive tactile response, suited for individuals who enjoy a traditional clicky feel. Though their qualities differ significantly, choosing either switch will yield compelling results tailored to your typing style. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on your preference for smooth linearity versus tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a smooth, tactile experience that minimizes resistance and enhances precision, the Black Lotus will be your best bet. Its silky feel, combined with a medium-heavy actuation that isn’t too taxing on your fingers, makes it an ideal choice for long typing sessions or gaming. Additionally, the removable light column allows for creative customization in aesthetics, enhancing your overall setup. On the other hand, if you enjoy auditory feedback and the satisfying click characteristic of traditional switch types, the Cream Blue might cater more to your taste, even though it lacks some standout features like the Black Lotus's smoothness and polish. Its slightly heavier actuation force might appeal to users who prefer a more robust typing feel. Ultimately, assess your priorities—smoothness versus feedback—to find the switch that aligns with your typing style and enhances your keyboard experience.
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