Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Blue Jade

Overview

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Blue Jade mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they offer distinct experiences for users. The Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, is lauded for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it the go-to choice for those who prioritize a marked tactile feel while typing or gaming. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus offers both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, is characterized by its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback. While it may not have any specific standout features like the Blue Lotus, the Blue Jade provides a classic clicky typing experience that some users prefer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Blue Jade switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Blue Jade utilizes nylon for its top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the impact on sound and feel may vary between the two due to the differences in top housing material.

Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials, both the Blue Lotus and the Blue Jade switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Typing on switches that use nylon housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastic housings. The combination of the unique PC and UPE blend in the Blue Lotus's top housing and the nylon in its bottom housing may offer a nuanced typing experience with a balance of premium feel and sound profile. Similarly, the Blue Jade's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing may provide a more uniform typing experience in terms of sound and feel.

The choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Blue Jade ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. While the Blue Lotus offers a premium feel with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing, the Blue Jade provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon housing. Both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housing to facilitate sound absorption and create a rounder sound. Whether one prefers the unique feel of the Blue Lotus or the rich sound of the Blue Jade, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.

Weight

The actuation force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 55 grams, while the actuation force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is 50 grams, making the Blue Jade the lighter option. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which means the force required to fully press the keys is the same for both. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Blue Jade would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Durock Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Blue Jade is closer to the standard 4.0 mm, while the Blue Lotus falls on the shorter end. Gamers may prefer the Blue Lotus for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Blue Jade with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Blue Lotus switch provides a distinct bassy sound profile during key presses, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience. This, combined with its accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feel, creates a unique typing sensation that is both responsive and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown. However, it is important to consider that the sound and feel of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Overall, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a bassy sound profile and a responsive, snappy feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch would be a great choice for you.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a blend of intensity and responsiveness, along with striking RGB illumination and a slightly reduced travel distance, the Blue Lotus may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a distinctive sound profile, the Blue Jade could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feel, typing experience, and visual aesthetics.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more