Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available to cater to various preferences. Two popular choices are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Blue, a clicky switch. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and precise actuation, with reduced wobble for a satisfying typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial but not overly heavy, it falls under the categories of 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue does not have any specific standout features but is generally favored for its clicky feedback. While the Black Lotus offers a unique light column for in-switch lighting, the Dustproof Blue lacks such additional features. 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
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 the Outemu Dustproof Blue both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel, while the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing. However, the Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Dustproof Blue's nylon bottom housing.
While the Black Lotus and the Dustproof Blue both utilize nylon as their bottom housing material, they differ in their top housing materials. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel, while the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Interestingly, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch with RGB lighting can enhance its aesthetic appeal due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the Black Lotus creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Dustproof Blue.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining its sound profile and feel. The Black Lotus and the Dustproof Blue showcase the impact of different materials on switch performance, with the Black Lotus offering a premium feel with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue provides a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Regardless of these differences, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in achieving specific sound characteristics and typing experiences.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dustproof Blue's 50 grams, but the Black Lotus has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Dustproof Blue's 65 grams. This means that the Dustproof Blue requires a bit less force to start a keystroke but more force to fully press down. Both switches offer a substantial typing experience with a satisfying amount of resistance. Those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Dustproof Blue for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push may gravitate towards the Black Lotus for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, the travel distance plays a significant role in the typing experience. With a travel distance of 4 mm for both switches, users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys. This means that whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Dustproof Blue switch, you can anticipate a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound, and overall feel.
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 Dustproof 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 Black Lotus linear switch is typically described as having a quiet and smooth typing sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is known for its crisp and tactile click sound with each key press. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the quieter sound of the Black Lotus while others may enjoy the satisfying click of the Dustproof Blue.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is often praised for its silky and buttery typing experience. These switches are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable feel with minimal resistance when typing. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is unknown, as there is no specific information available on its tactile properties. However, clicky switches are generally known for their tactile feedback and audible click sound.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch offer different typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus is known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue clicky switch provides a more audible and tactile typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy the feedback of a clicky switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Black Lotus if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a silky smooth typing experience with reduced wobble, and in-switch lighting options. On the other hand, choose the Dustproof Blue if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, the satisfying clicky sound, and a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for feel, sound, and features that best suit your typing style and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
