Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Blue mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices the difference in tactile feedback and sound. The Durock Blue Lotus offers a tactile experience with swift responsiveness, thanks to its reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel and also features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch provides a satisfying clicky sound with each keystroke. While the Blue Lotus is categorized as accented, bassy, snappy, and stepped, the Outemu Blue does not fall into any specific category. If you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy feel and visual appeal, the Blue Lotus may be the right choice for you. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Blue switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which creates a unique and premium feel, while the Outemu Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic used in their respective top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon material to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Outemu Blue also uses a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus and Outemu Blue switches have different top housing materials that result in unique sound profiles, they both utilize nylon bottom housings to create a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether you prefer the premium feel of the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing or the sharper sound of the Outemu Blue's polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their nylon bottom housings providing a consistent and satisfying sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Durock Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Blue's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus is also slightly heavier at 65 grams, while the Outemu Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Durock Blue Lotus provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Outemu Blue's typing experience is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Outemu Blue may be a better option, while the Durock Blue Lotus would be suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch provides a bit more depth to each keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Blue 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
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch boasts a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those seeking a pronounced tactile experience. The slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm contributes to the switch's snappiness, enhancing the typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch may offer a different typing experience as it lacks specific descriptors for feel and sound. However, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience due to their tactile or clicky nature.
When it comes to sound, the Blue Lotus switch is characterized as "bassy", offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This lower frequency range provides a more substantial and satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the Outemu Blue switch is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is described as "accented", "snappy", and "stepped", indicating that it offers a medium level of tactility with a responsive typing experience. The stepped design provides a two-stage tactile feel, adding complexity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Blue switch is undefined, but users can expect a tactile and clicky typing experience similar to other clicky switches on the market. Overall, both the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options to explore in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a snappy and accented feel, and a deep bassy sound profile, then the Durock Blue Lotus switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch without a specified bottom out force, and are looking for a different typing experience than what the Blue Lotus offers, then the Outemu Blue switch could be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
