Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are notable differences that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and precision, boasting reduced housing and stem wobble for an optimal typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and effortless, this switch also features a unique light column for in-switch lighting, which is fully removable. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch by Outemu offers a silent typing experience without any distinctive features. While the Black Lotus is categorized as smooth, buttery, mild, and polished, the Silent Yellow has no specific categorization. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preference and typing needs. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you 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
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches exhibit notable differences in their construction. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel to users. In contrast, the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both housings are designed with quality in mind, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Silent Yellow switches are equipped with nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, the impact of this material on the overall typing experience can vary depending on the user's preference for sound and feel.
In terms of functionality, the split between the top and bottom housings of a switch can dictate the overall sound and feel experienced by the user. The qualities brought by each housing material are distinct, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether using the Black Lotus with its unique blend of PC & UPE or the Silent Yellow with its polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a tailored typing experience based on the specific characteristics of each material.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch differ significantly. The Black Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, falling into the heavy category. This means that the Black Lotus provides a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow, which may be more preferred for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Silent Yellow may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these switches, it is evident that users can expect a consistent key press experience in terms of distance traveled. The similarity in travel distance between the Black Lotus and Silent Yellow switches ensures that users will get similar results regardless of which switch they choose, offering a reliable typing experience with a consistent feel. Therefore, whether you opt for the Durock Black Lotus or the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you can expect a uniform travel distance of 4mm from top to bottom.
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 Yellow 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 Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for its quiet operation, providing a pleasant typing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch offers a similar level of noise reduction, ensuring a peaceful typing environment. Both switches are ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. However, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky smooth and buttery keystrokes, offering a refined typing experience with minimal resistance. This switch is known for its polished finish, providing a sleek and effortless typing sensation. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is not specified in the provided information, but it can be assumed that it offers a similar level of smoothness and ease of use as the Black Lotus switch. Both switches likely deliver a comfortable typing experience that users will appreciate for long typing sessions.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offer quiet operation and a smooth typing experience, making them suitable choices for those seeking a refined and silent mechanical keyboard switch. While the exact sound and feel of the Silent Yellow switch are not detailed, it is safe to assume that it provides a comparable typing experience to the Black Lotus switch based on their similarities in design and function. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will likely come down to personal preference and any specific features that stand out to the individual user.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and customizable in-switch lighting, then the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a silent typing experience without any specific standout characteristics, then the Silent Yellow could suit your needs better. Consider how important the typing sound and feel are to you when making your decision between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
