Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When considering choosing between the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Cream Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their key differences and advantages. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that offers a silky smooth feel with unparalleled precision, thanks to reduced housing and stem wobble. With a moderate 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of typing. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is a tactile switch with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Black Lotus is praised for its smoothness and precision, the Cream Yellow lacks specific standout qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches are notably different in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel to typing. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This distinction in materials leads to a difference in typing experience, with the Black Lotus offering a more distinct feel and the Cream Yellow emphasizing a richer sound quality.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings of both switches, they share a common nylon material. This shared feature between the Black Lotus and Cream Yellow results in a similar impact on the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastic alternatives. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housings, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing ensures that users can expect similar sound characteristics when typing on either the Black Lotus or Cream Yellow switches.

Overall, the housing materials of both the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the Black Lotus stands out with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique premium feel, the Cream Yellow excels in providing a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top housing. The shared nylon bottom housing between the two switches contributes to a consistent sound quality, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the tactile and auditory feedback of mechanical switches.

Weight

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force at 55 grams compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams while the Cream Yellow needs 60 grams. The Black Lotus is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Cream Yellow is lighter overall. Both switches fall within the medium weight range, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. In the end, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight of key presses.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow, making it the longer option between the two. Gamers might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience might appreciate the longer travel distance of the Black Lotus. Both switches offer different tactile sensations due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two depends on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, whether you go for the Black Lotus or the Cream Yellow, you'll get a unique typing experience tailored to your needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch is known for producing a relatively quiet typing experience, allowing for a more discreet use in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is described as providing a satisfying tactile bump accompanied by a subtle sound profile, offering a pleasant auditory feedback without being too obtrusive. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's case material and keycap material.

When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is highly regarded for its silky smooth keystrokes and precise actuation, offering a luxurious typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances typing speed. The Cream Yellow switch, meanwhile, boasts a tactile bump that provides tactile feedback upon actuation, giving typists a responsive and satisfying sensation when pressing down on the keys. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, but the Black Lotus leans towards a smoother feel while the Cream Yellow offers a more pronounced tactile response.

Taking all available information into consideration, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch stands out for its smoothness, precision, and reduced wobble, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a buttery typing feel and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch excels in providing a tactile bump for enhanced feedback and a satisfying keystroke experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance tailored to different preferences, so selecting between them would depend on whether you prefer a linear switch with a consistent feel or a tactile switch with a responsive bump. Both switches aim to deliver a premium typing experience, so regardless of your choice, you can expect a high level of satisfaction in your typing endeavors.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a silky smooth feel and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a tactile bump and a different sound profile, the Cream Yellow might be more to your liking. Consider factors such as actuation weight, smoothness of the typing experience, and sound characteristics when making your decision. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so take the time to test them out and see which one suits your typing preferences best. Ultimately, the choice between the Black Lotus and Cream Yellow switches will depend on what you prioritize in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more