Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Lime are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and advantages to users. Durock's Blue Lotus switches are renowned for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column, allowing for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination that adds a captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches offer a unique combination of lightweight design, approachable tactility, and noise reduction. These switches are ideal for individuals who prefer a feathery light typing experience complemented by a subtle touch of tactility. While these generalities provide a brief overview, it is necessary to delve deeper into the specific characteristics and functionalities of each switch to make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Lime, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This material choice allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, both switches create a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience. While the specific nylon composition may differ between the two switches, the overall impact on bottom-out sound and feel is expected to be similar.
However, the top housing material sets the Blue Lotus and Lime switches apart. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. This blend material provides a distinct tactile sensation when pressing down on a key, making each keystroke feel satisfyingly precise. In contrast, the Lime switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a slightly different typing experience compared to the Blue Lotus, as the nylon top housing may offer a softer and more muted tactile feel.
In summary, while both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the Blue Lotus and the Lime differ in their choice of top housing materials. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Lime switch's nylon top housing provides a classic switch experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches are expected to deliver satisfying results, whether it's the precise and premium feel of the Blue Lotus or the soft and tactile experience of the Lime.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, we can see some distinct differences. The actuation force of the Blue Lotus is 55 grams, while the Lime requires only 35 grams to activate. This means that the Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier touch required to register a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams of pressure compared to the Lime's 45 grams. This indicates that the Blue Lotus has a heavier feel when fully pressed down.
Considering the weight aspect, these variances can have implications for different typing preferences. For individuals who prefer a lighter touch, the Lime would be a suitable choice with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This allows for a more effortless and prolonged typing experience, making it ideal for tasks that require extended periods of use, such as work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who seek a more substantial feel and prefer a stronger push while typing might lean towards the Blue Lotus. Its higher actuation and bottom out forces give a tactile feedback that some individuals find satisfying and engaging.
It is worth mentioning that while the weight disparities between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Lime switches offer distinct experiences, the similarity lies in the fact that both switches provide a tactile response. This means that users can still enjoy the pleasant feedback and response despite the variance in actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on the individual's personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience they seek to achieve.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches deviate from the most traditional travel distance of 4.0mm, with the Blue Lotus being closer to the norm. However, gamers who prioritize faster response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances, making the Lime an attractive option for them. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys may find the longer travel distance of the Blue Lotus more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth one seeks.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This adds a level of depth and richness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound level and actuation force requirement. Additionally, the Lime switches are also described as muted, producing softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches.
When it comes to the feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide an accented tactile experience. This means that they offer a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switches are also described as snappy, indicating a high level of responsiveness during typing. Additionally, they have a stepped feel, which means that there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel in the keystroke.
On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches offer a mild and feathery typing experience. They have a more gentle tactile feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. They also have a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
To summarize, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide a marked tactile feel with a bassy sound profile. They are snappy and offer a stepped typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches offer a feathery light typing experience with a muted sound profile. They have a mild tactile feel and a polished finish. Depending on the individual's preferences, both switches can provide satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences with their unique subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and requirements. If you enjoy a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Blue Lotus switches would be a great fit for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams and its slightly reduced travel, these switches provide a snappy and accented typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column adds captivating visual appeal with vibrant RGB illumination.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime switches would be a better choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a feathery light feel and are silenced, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Lime switches are suitable for both beginners and advanced users and their neutral sound profile makes them versatile for various environments.
Consider your sound preference as well. The Blue Lotus switches have a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In contrast, the Lime switches produce a more muted and softer sound, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Lastly, if a smooth and refined typing experience is important to you, the Blue Lotus switches may be more suitable due to their snappiness and stepped feel. However, if you prefer a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue, the Lime switches offer a mild and polished feel.
Overall, the Blue Lotus switches are best suited for those who desire a pronounced tactile feel, swift responsiveness, and captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Lime switches are perfect for individuals seeking a lightweight, subtly tactile, and silenced typing experience. Consider your preferences for tactile feel, sound profile, and typing experience to make the best choice between these two switches.
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