Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea offer distinct typing experiences. The Black Lotus is a linear switch loved for its silky smooth feel and precision, boasting reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a moderate 55g actuation weight and a unique removable light column for in-switch lighting, it falls under the categories of 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch that lacks specific standout features but still provides a satisfying typing experience. While the Black Lotus offers a luxurious typing experience, the Milk Tea may appeal to those looking for a simpler yet reliable tactile 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea both feature nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. However, the top housings differ, with the Black Lotus utilizing a modified PC & UPE blend that offers a unique and premium feel, while the Milk Tea incorporates a Ly top housing that produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing.
While both switches share a commonality in their use of nylon bottom housings, the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea display distinct characteristics in their top housings. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend top housing provides a premium feel, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright sound signature. The top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Black Lotus focusing on a unique tactile feel and the Milk Tea emphasizing a resonant clack sound when keys are pressed.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea can greatly influence the typing experience. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the top housings set them apart from each other. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend top housing provides a premium and unique feel, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright and resonant sound signature. Whether seeking a premium tactile feel or a bright clack sound, these switches cater to different preferences in housing materials for an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch differ significantly. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Milk Tea would be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience, the Black Lotus with its heavier actuation and bottom out force would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is a determining factor in how comfortable and efficient typing will be for the user, whether they prefer a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. Users can expect similar results in terms of the feel and feedback provided by both switches, as they both have an identical travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Milk Tea switch, you can enjoy a similar typing experience with a consistent 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 Milk Tea 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 described as having a moderately quiet sound profile due to its smooth and refined construction. The Milk Tea, on the other hand, may produce a slightly louder sound with its tactile feedback. However, the sound of both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus is praised for its silky and buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke with minimal resistance. The switch is often described as mild, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, its polished finish contributes to a sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, the feel of the Milk Tea remains unknown, as no specific descriptors are provided. It can be inferred that the Milk Tea may offer a tactile typing experience with a bump in the keystroke, providing feedback to the user.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth and precise feel, the Durock Black Lotus would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a unique bump during typing, the Outemu Milk Tea could be a suitable option. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for you, so experimenting with different switches may be necessary to find the perfect fit for your typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smoother typing experience with a light column for in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Milk Tea could be the right choice. Consider factors such as actuation weight, sound, and feel when deciding which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics to offer, so choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
