Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, it is clear that they offer distinct advantages. The Black Lotus is highly regarded 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 hefty, the Black Lotus provides a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch does not have a specific standout feature like the Black Lotus, 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
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
Both the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silver feature a top housing made of premium materials - the Black Lotus with a Modified PC and UPE Blend, and the Silver with polycarbonate. While the Black Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, the Silver's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. Despite their differences in sound profile, both housings offer durability and aesthetics that enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Black Lotus and the Silver utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many keyboard enthusiasts. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing sound and feel, even though they may differ slightly in their overall sound profile due to the top housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silver plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While the Black Lotus's combination of Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing offers a unique premium feel, the Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the classic qualities of this material. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience, whether you prefer a premium feel or a sharper sound profile.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus requires a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Black Lotus has a higher force of 63.5 grams compared to the Silver's 65 grams, making the Silver slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Both switches offer a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, but the Black Lotus might be better suited for those looking for a slightly lighter actuation force. Choose the Black Lotus for a lighter touch during long typing or gaming sessions, while the Silver provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silver linear switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. While there may be differences in other aspects of the switches, such as actuation force or sound, the travel distance remains constant, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a 4mm travel distance linear switch.
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 Silver 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, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silver linear switches have qualities that can result in a satisfying typing experience. The Black Lotus may have a potentially quieter sound profile due to its smoothness and reduced wobble, while the Silver's sound may be crisper and more tactile. However, the sound of these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis, keycaps, and typing style.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus is characterized by its silky smoothness and precision, providing a luxurious typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver's feel is unknown, so it's challenging to make a direct comparison. The descriptors associated with the Black Lotus, such as buttery, mild, and polished, suggest a premium typing experience with a refined finish and a gentle touch that caters to various preferences.
Overall, while the Durock Black Lotus linear switch boasts a unique light column for in-switch lighting and a 55g actuation weight that is not overly heavy, the specific qualities of the Outemu Silver linear switch remain unknown. However, based on the information provided, it is evident that the Black Lotus offers a sophisticated and smooth typing experience that may appeal to users seeking a high-end switch with minimal wobble and a balanced actuation weight. If performance metrics are the same between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound and feel, as both switches aim to provide a satisfying and precise typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the specifics of your typing preferences. If you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter actuation weight and unique in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. It offers a silky smooth feel and reduced wobble for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and are not concerned about in-switch lighting, the Silver may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style and preferences to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment while using your mechanical keyboard.
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