Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu 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 Ocean offer distinct characteristics for different typing preferences. The Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, is adored for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making typing a pleasure with reduced housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and comfortable, the Black Lotus is ideal for those who prefer a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, does not boast any standout features but delivers a dependable performance. While the Black Lotus is categorized as smooth, buttery, mild, polished, the Ocean falls under no specific category. Each switch has its own appeal, but when it comes to choosing between the two, it is essential to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine which switch best suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Ocean switches offer both similarities and differences in terms of their composition and impact on sound profiles. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, known for its premium feel, contrasts with the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer a unique feel and aesthetic appeal, the Black Lotus's housing may provide a softer touch compared to the stiffer polycarbonate of the Ocean. However, both materials excel in enhancing sound quality, with the polycarbonate top housing offering a more resonant sound and the UPE Blend providing a more premium experience.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Black Lotus and the Ocean switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity between the two switches highlights the importance of the bottom housing material in enhancing the typing experience and sound quality. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the two switches may still offer unique characteristics in terms of the feel and sound produced when typing due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight.
Overall, while the Black Lotus and the Ocean switches may differ in their top housing materials, both switches prioritize sound quality and unique tactile experiences. The combination of different housing materials in each switch ensures a well-rounded typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer the softer feel of nylon or the stiffer resonance of polycarbonate, both switches offer a premium and satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences and needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, we can see that they both have the same actuation force of 55 grams. However, the Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison to the Ocean, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Black Lotus offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Ocean's typing experience can't be determined based on bottom out force. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ocean switch, as it lacks a defined bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the Black Lotus more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is equal, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. Despite being different types of switches, linear and tactile, the Black Lotus and Ocean switches offer a similar key press experience in terms of travel distance. So, whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Ocean switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. It is worth noting that both of these switches provide a consistent 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 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 switch is often described as having a deep, satisfying thock sound with minimal noise and a pleasant tone. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is known for its crisp and tactile click sound that provides a more audible feedback to the user. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard casing and keycap material being used.
As for feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The switch has a buttery feel that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making it popular among enthusiasts who prioritize comfort and precision. In comparison, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a tactile bump that offers a more pronounced feedback during key presses, providing a satisfying tactile sensation to the user. The Ocean switch is known for its mild and approachable typing experience, suitable for individuals seeking a balance between feedback and comfort.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch excels in providing a smooth and precise typing experience with a deep thock sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize smoothness and precision in their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offers a more audible tactile feedback with a satisfying click sound, appealing to users looking for a tactile typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force and smoothness. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, along with a silky smooth feel and precise typing experience, then the Black Lotus would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a tactile typing experience, the Ocean switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preference for key feel, as both switches offer unique advantages for different typing experiences.
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