Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch like the Durock Black Lotus and a tactile switch such as the Outemu Maple Leaf can greatly impact your typing experience. The Black Lotus boasts a silky smooth feel and precise actuation, perfect for those who prefer a seamless typing experience with reduced wobble. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf offers a tactile bump for a more tactile feedback while typing. The Black Lotus's 55g actuation weight provides a substantial but not overly heavy keystroke, whereas the Maple Leaf's actuation weight is unspecified. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique light column for in-switch lighting that is fully removable, giving it a touch of customization. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience. While both switches share this common attribute in their bottom housing material, the feel and sound produced may differ slightly based on other components of the switch design.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Black Lotus and the Maple Leaf switches differ in material composition. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel during use. In contrast, the Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of material for the top housing can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. The Black Lotus may offer a different tactile experience compared to the Maple Leaf due to the differences in their top housing materials.
While the Black Lotus and Maple Leaf switches may have distinct top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, making typing more enjoyable for users. Additionally, the choice of top housing material can influence the overall tactile feedback and premium feel of the switches. Whether using the Black Lotus with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing or the Maple Leaf with its nylon top housing, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics based on the material composition of each switch.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Black Lotus is lighter with 63.5 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 65 grams. The Black Lotus is slightly lighter overall, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf provides a slightly heavier feel, which can be preferred by those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Maple Leaf's 3.3 mm. The Black Lotus offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference; the Black Lotus for a more substantial key feel and the Maple Leaf for a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming style preferences.
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 Maple Leaf 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 often praised for its quiet and minimal sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Maple Leaf switches is not well-known, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect without more information. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Black Lotus is highly regarded for its silky smooth feel, offering users a seamless and effortless typing experience. With its 55g actuation weight, the Black Lotus strikes a good balance between responsiveness and ease of typing. Additionally, the reduced housing and stem wobble in the Black Lotus switches contribute to a more stable and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, not much information is available about the feel of the Maple Leaf switches, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard.
Taking into account the available information, it is clear that the Durock Black Lotus linear switches offer a unique combination of smoothness, precision, and stability, making them a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the tactile characteristics of the Outemu Maple Leaf switches are not as well-documented, it's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two. If a user enjoys a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Black Lotus switches would be a suitable option. However, if a user prefers a tactile feedback, they may find the Maple Leaf switches to be more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider your preference in terms of actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a silky smooth feel and in-switch lighting provided by the light column, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force with a different tactile typing experience, the Maple Leaf could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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