Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Gold mechanical keyboard switches, a key difference is that the Black Lotus is a linear switch while the Gold is a clicky switch. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, it offers a substantial but not overly hefty typing experience. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold does not have any distinct features highlighted but is known for being a clicky switch. Those who prefer tactile feedback and an audible click during typing may lean towards the Gold 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Gold switches have some key differences. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel, while the Gold switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, thanks to nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Gold switch also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, so both switches share this classic switch housing material for a similar typing experience.
In terms of sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold switch leads to a crisper and clearer sound due to its stiffness, whereas the UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus provides a different premium feel. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. Both switches offer unique characteristics in their housing materials, with the Black Lotus focusing on premium feel and the Gold switch emphasizing a sharper sound profile.
While the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Gold switches differ in their top housing materials, both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, catering to users looking for specific sound profiles and feels in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch with an actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Black Lotus requires a bit more force to initiate a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Gold switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold switch may be more suitable, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation force, catering to users who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer a medium actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a balanced typing experience for users who prefer a mix of responsiveness and comfort.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, we can see that both switches offer a consistent keystroke feel in terms of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Gold switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a standard travel distance, ensuring a familiar and comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Gold 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 known for its smooth and relatively quiet operation, providing a pleasant typing experience without being too distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is characterized by a distinct click sound as the key is pressed, adding a tactile feedback for each keystroke. The sound produced by each switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Black Lotus switch is often described as silky, offering users an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This polished switch enhances typing comfort and reduces wobble for a more precise typing feel. Conversely, the exact feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not specified in the provided information, so it is important to consider that the clicky nature of these switches may provide a more tactile and pronounced sensation compared to a linear switch like the Black Lotus.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is important to understand that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for each user. The Black Lotus excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation weight and reduced wobble, while the Gold clicky switch offers a more tactile and audible keystroke feedback. To achieve similar results in sound and feel, it is recommended to test out both switches firsthand to determine which aligns best with your personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and precise typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and enjoy the audible feedback while typing, the Outemu Gold could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize feel and sound or actuation force and switch type in your mechanical keyboard. Consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing needs best.
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