Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to invest in a new mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and precision, minimizing wobble for a more pleasurable typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight that is just right, and a unique light column for in-switch lighting, this switch is perfect for those who prefer a polished and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for ultimate satisfaction. While both switches have their own unique features and benefits, choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 housing material combination of modified PC and UPE blend for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The modified PC and UPE blend provides a premium feel and a certain level of durability, while the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those looking for a clearer and resonant typing experience.
Both the Black Lotus and Silent Grey switches showcase the use of nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a similar deep and full sound experience. The use of nylon in both switches allows for a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. However, the top housing material differs between the two switches, with the Black Lotus using a modified PC and UPE blend for a unique and premium feel, and the Silent Grey using polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite the difference in top housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying and tactile typing experience with their nylon bottom housing.
In terms of design, the Black Lotus's combination of modified PC and UPE blend for the top housing adds to its premium aesthetics, while the Silent Grey's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through for a visually appealing experience. While the housing materials may vary between the two switches, they both offer distinct advantages in terms of sound profile and feel. Whether you prefer the unique feel of the modified PC and UPE blend in the Black Lotus or the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate in the Silent Grey, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Black Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams, making it slightly lighter to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams while the Silent Grey needs 65 grams, making the Silent Grey slightly heavier. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Black Lotus leaning towards a lighter touch and the Silent Grey providing a bit more heft for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a reliable and familiar typing experience for users regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Grey 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 known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a quiet typing experience as well, but with the added benefit of a pronounced tactile bump. Ultimately, the sound of a switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus is praised for its silky smoothness, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This switch offers minimal resistance, resulting in a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch offers a highly tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump during key presses. This feature can enhance the overall typing feel for those who enjoy a more feedback-driven typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and wobble-free typing experience with its 55g actuation weight and removable light column. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch stands out for its quiet operation and pronounced tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize smoothness and precision or tactile feedback and quiet operation, either switch can provide a enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the following factors. Choose the Black Lotus if you prefer a smooth, precision typing experience with a moderate actuation weight and in-switch lighting. This switch is excellent for those who prioritize smoothness and reduced wobble during typing. On the other hand, opt for the Silent Grey if you desire a quiet, tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This switch is perfect for users who want a satisfying tactile feedback without the noise. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. So, pick the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your keyboarding journey.
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