Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options to choose from, each offering a different typing experience. Two popular choices to consider are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Green, also a linear switch. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, boasting reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial yet not too heavy, this switch is a favorite among many typists. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, the Silent Green does not have any specific standout features mentioned, making it a more straightforward option. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Green, it is evident that they both utilize premium materials to enhance the overall typing experience. The Black Lotus features a unique PC and UPE blend top housing, which provides a distinct and luxurious feel to the switch. On the other hand, the Silent Green opts for a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer different sound characteristics, they both aim to elevate the overall typing experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Black Lotus incorporates a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Green utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the stiffer top housing to create a clearer and resonant sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall sound profile by using materials that absorb or resonate sound accordingly.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Green play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Black Lotus offers a unique blend of PC and UPE for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, the Silent Green opts for polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with an enhanced typing experience through the careful selection of premium housing materials that impact the sound and feel of each keystroke.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus is the heavier option. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Silent Green has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Green switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar travel distance of 4mm. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of 4mm on both switches allows for a smooth and seamless typing experience, ensuring that users can quickly and accurately input their keystrokes. Whether you opt for the Durock Black Lotus or the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing experience.
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 Silent Green 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 linear switch is known for its quiet operation, with a soft and muted sound profile that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is also designed to minimize noise, providing a similar level of quiet typing experience. However, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used, so variability may occur.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is praised for its silky smooth keystrokes, offering a refined and effortless typing experience due to reduced housing and stem wobble. The actuation weight of 55g provides a good balance between tactile feedback and typing effort. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's feel is unknown at this time. Considering the lack of information, it can be assumed that the feel may vary or be comparable to other silent switches on the market.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch emerges as a top choice for those seeking a premium typing experience with a quiet sound profile and smooth feel. On the other hand, the information available about the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is limited, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches. In general, when choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience to ensure you find the best switch for your needs.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch or the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with reduced wobble and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a medium typing experience without any specific standout features, the Silent Green could be a solid choice. Consider factors such as actuation weight, smoothness, and additional features before making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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