Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Peach are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, providing a typing experience with reduced housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight, this linear switch offers a substantial yet not overly hefty touch. Additionally, the unique removable light column provides in-switch lighting, adding a stylish touch to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach stands out for its lightweight nature and silenced operation, making it perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience. Its neutral, mild, and polished characteristics contribute to a pleasant and subtle typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Peach switches differ significantly. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Peach utilizes a nylon top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend material of the Black Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, providing a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Outemu Peach contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound. Despite this difference, both switches offer qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Black Lotus incorporates a nylon housing, while the Outemu Peach also utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the characteristics of nylon, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the sound produced by both switches will have similar qualities due to the shared housing material.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the typing experience, it is important to note that each housing material brings distinct qualities to the switch. The bottom housing plays a larger role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the housing materials of both the Black Lotus and the Outemu Peach switches will contribute differently to the audible and tactile feedback provided during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Black Lotus requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Peach's 40 grams. This means that the Black Lotus will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Black Lotus has a heavier force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Peach has a lighter force of 50 grams. The Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Peach offers a lighter and smoother typing experience with a light bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions may lean towards the Peach, while those seeking a more responsive and tactile typing experience may opt for the Black Lotus. In both cases, users will be able to achieve their desired results, albeit with different force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length. On the other hand, the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Black Lotus provides a deeper keystroke experience compared to the Peach. However, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize quick response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Peach switch would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper keystroke, the Black Lotus would be the choice for you. Both switches offer distinct experiences, catering to different preferences. In either case, you can expect satisfying results as you press down on the keys, but the Black Lotus provides a longer travel distance while the Outemu Peach offers a slightly shorter one.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor provided. However, based on its silky smooth feel and reduced wobble, we can expect a relatively quiet sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is described as having a muted sound profile. This means that the switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making it a great choice for those looking for a more subtle typing experience. It is important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described as offering a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. These characteristics contribute to an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Outemu Peach switch shares some similarities, as it is also described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. However, the Peach switch is additionally described as having a subtle resistance, which provides a gentle yet light typing feel. Both switches offer a pleasant and approachable typing experience, suitable for most users.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and Outemu Peach switches have different qualities that make them stand out. The Black Lotus is best known for its silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and unique light column for in-switch lighting. While information about its sound is not provided, its overall design suggests a relatively quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is favored for its lightweight nature and silenced operation, allowing for a feather-light typing experience with a muted sound profile. Both switches offer a polished feel, with smooth and refined finishes that contribute to a sleek typing experience. Depending on personal preference, either switch would provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a silky smooth feel, the Durock Black Lotus is the ideal choice for you. These switches boast unparalleled precision and reduced wobble, providing a maximum typing pleasure experience. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds a touch of aesthetics to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a feather-light typing experience, the Outemu Peach is the perfect option. These switches are not only lightweight but also silenced, making them ideal for those who value a quiet typing experience. With a mild and subtle feel, the Outemu Peach switches are approachable to most users and are suitable for shared spaces. Furthermore, both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Peach will depend on your personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
