Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean both offer a linear typing experience, but they have their own unique qualities to consider. The Black Lotus is highly praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for a satisfying typing experience. The 55g actuation weight offers a substantial feel without being too heavy, and the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean doesn't have specific standout features, but it offers a reliable linear switch experience. With these general points in mind, it's important to look deeper into the characteristics of each switch to determine which one suits your typing preferences best. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Silent Ocean both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. The Black Lotus utilizes a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium feel and a distinct sound profile. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While both switches offer a unique and quality typing experience, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Black Lotus and the Dustproof Silent Ocean utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, the impact of this material will be more noticeable when typing on the switches, as it directly affects the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean may differ in material, each contributes to the overall typing experience in its own way. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a premium and unique typing experience, with the choice between them depending on individual preferences for sound profile and overall feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Dustproof Silent Ocean, you can expect a quality typing experience with distinct characteristics influenced by their housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch with 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams while the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the Black Lotus may suit those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, while the Silent Ocean could be better for those who prefer a lighter actuation force. In terms of weight, some users may opt for the lighter Silent Ocean switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier Black Lotus switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to individual typing preferences and desired keypress feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. In this case, the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a shorter travel distance compared to the Black Lotus. The difference in travel distance can impact the typing experience, as the shorter travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean may provide a quicker response time, favored by gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Black Lotus may offer a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer deeper switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Silent Ocean 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 offering a smooth and quiet typing experience, allowing for a more discreet use in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch remains unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky and buttery typing sensation, providing an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience with minimal resistance. Additionally, the switch is described as having a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction. In comparison, the feel of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is not indicated, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing comfort.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Black Lotus is known for its smooth feel and quiet operation, the specific characteristics of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch remain unknown. Depending on your personal preferences for sound levels, typing feel, and tactile feedback, either switch can provide a satisfactory typing experience. It is important to consider factors such as actuation weight, smoothness, and overall quality when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you find the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and added features. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a switch that offers a silky smooth feel with minimal wobble, the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a quiet typing experience with dustproofing features, the Dustproof Silent Ocean could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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