Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, to the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, several key differences come to light. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and not too hefty, this switch is categorized as smooth, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple lacks specific standout features but is known for its tactile feedback. This switch is ideal for typists who prefer a more pronounced physical response when typing. The Purple switch does not have a specific categorization. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
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
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 Durock Black Lotus features a unique blend of modified PC & UPE top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Outemu Purple utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the Purple switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Black Lotus's blend of PC & UPE in the top housing provides a premium feel, while the nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile, ideal for users seeking a softer and more absorbent typing experience. Both switches offer distinct qualities in their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Purple switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique qualities. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Outemu Purple contribute to a sharper sound profile, while the blend of PC & UPE in the Black Lotus provides a premium feel. Additionally, both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. While the Black Lotus and the Outemu Purple may vary in their housing materials, they ultimately strive to offer users an improved typing experience through a combination of unique properties in their construction.
In terms of sound and feel, the bottom and top housings of a switch play different roles in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The Durock Black Lotus's use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a softer and more absorbent feel. In comparison, the Outemu Purple's polycarbonate housings offer a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile that resonates well for users seeking a crisper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Black Lotus and the Purple switch will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it can be seen that the Black Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus is also heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the Outemu Purple might be the better option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The equal travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience for users who prefer either linear or tactile switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Purple switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels during each keystroke.
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 Purple 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for producing a subtle and smooth typing sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Outemu Purple tactile switch, on the other hand, has been described as having a more pronounced and tactile sound that provides audible feedback with each keystroke. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky and buttery smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a satisfyingly fluid key press. The switch's 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between being substantial and comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Purple switch is unknown, but it's likely to provide a tactile bump with each keystroke, giving users a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to a linear switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch stands out for its smooth and precise typing experience with a moderate actuation weight, while also offering in-switch lighting capabilities. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch likely provides a more tactile typing experience with audible feedback. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so the choice between them would ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, rest assured that both options will deliver a quality typing experience based on the information provided.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch or the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with precise actuation and in-switch lighting, then the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an undefined bottom out force and tactile feedback, while also considering your own unique sound and feel preferences, the Purple switch could be more aligned with your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct features and characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
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