Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Crystal Brown are two popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Black Lotus is a linear switch, known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, typing on these switches is a pleasure. The 55g actuation weight provides a substantial yet not too hefty keypress, while the unique light column adds in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While not as well-defined in its features as the Black Lotus, the Crystal Brown provides a satisfying tactile feedback that some users prefer. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Partial box
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
The Durock Black Lotus and Outemu Crystal Brown switches feature different housing materials for both the top and bottom portions. The Black Lotus uses a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing which gives it a unique and premium feel, while the Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While both housing materials have their own distinct qualities, they both provide a clear and resonant sound due to their stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Crystal Brown switch allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and Crystal Brown switches use nylon material which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a soft and absorbing feel. The nylon material in the bottom housing complements the stiffness of the top housing in the Crystal Brown switch, creating a balanced sound profile that is both crisp and full.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Durock Black Lotus and Outemu Crystal Brown switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of each key press. The combination of modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Black Lotus switch creates a premium feel with a deep sound, while the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Crystal Brown switch produce a sharper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials, ensuring that users will have a pleasant and responsive keyboarding experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch differ in weight. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. In comparison, the Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Crystal Brown would be the better option. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In essence, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in similar tactile feedback and typing experience. As a result, whether choosing the Durock Black Lotus or the Outemu Crystal Brown, users can expect consistent performance in terms of travel distance.
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 Crystal 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 linear switch is often described as having a smooth and muffled sound due to its unique design that reduces housing and stem wobble. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for producing a satisfying, crisp sound with a slight tactile bump. However, it is important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is praised for its silky and buttery typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke. Additionally, the reduced wobble in the switch enhances overall typing precision and comfort. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its mild and polished tactile feedback, providing a gentler typing experience without being too pronounced. The smooth key travel of these switches adds to the overall comfort during typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and precise typing experience with reduced wobble, the Crystal Brown offers a satisfying tactile feedback with a slightly different sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience desired. However, both switches are capable of providing a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile typing sensation, the Crystal Brown may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound output. Happy typing!
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