Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it is essential to note key differences and similarities between the two. The Blue Lotus, known for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, offers a unique typing experience with its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, providing a snappy feel for tactile enthusiasts. Additionally, the Blue Lotus features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch, though lacking specific standout features, delivers a reliable tactile feedback without any frills. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Brown switches offer some key differences in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel, while the Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound.
In terms of sound profile, the top and bottom housing materials of the Blue Lotus and the Outemu Brown switches play a significant role. The Blue Lotus's top housing made of modified PC & UPE Blend creates a premium feel and likely influences the sound when you release a key, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller typing experience. Conversely, the Brown switch's polycarbonate top housing is responsible for the sharper and crisper sound profile upon key release, while the shared nylon bottom housing maintains a consistent deep and full sound during typing. These differences in housing materials result in distinct sound profiles for each switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Brown switches offer complementary qualities that ultimately impact the typing experience and sound profile of each switch. While the Blue Lotus features a unique blend of PC & UPE for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, providing a premium feel and deep sound when typing, the Brown switch utilizes polycarbonate for a sharper sound upon key release alongside the nylon bottom housing for a fuller typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles thanks to their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch are quite similar. However, there are slight differences between the two. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Brown's 53 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of force. When it comes to weight, some may prefer the Blue Lotus for a slightly heavier actuation force, while others may lean towards the Outemu Brown for a lighter initial push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Durock Blue Lotus switch. The difference may seem minimal, but it can affect the overall feel and performance of the switches. Those looking for a quicker response time may prefer the Durock Blue Lotus with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Outemu Brown with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
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 Brown 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 Blue Lotus switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Brown switch remains unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. Keep in mind that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its accented and snappy tactile feedback, offering a balanced and responsive typing experience. The stepped design of the switch adds a unique tactile feel that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch is not described, so it is unclear how it compares to the Blue Lotus in terms of typing experience. It is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal tactile feel for each user.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out for its striking blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a tactile switch with captivating visual appeal. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Brown switch are unknown, users may expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should choose the Blue Lotus if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. The Blue Lotus is perfect for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel and enjoy vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more standard tactile switch without any specific standout features, the Outemu Brown may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, responsiveness, and visual aesthetics in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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