Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Cream Pink offer unique experiences for typing enthusiasts. The Blue Lotus switch from Durock is praised for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, providing a satisfying tactile feel with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cream Pink switch from Outemu is a linear switch that offers a smooth and consistent typing experience. Although it may lack the tactile bump of the Blue Lotus, the Cream Pink switch provides a more linear typing experience for those who prefer a seamless keystroke. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Cream Pink both feature nylon top and bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is known for its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller but rounder sound. This makes both switches ideal for those looking for a more muted typing experience with a premium feel. While the materials used for the housings are the same in both switches, the overall design and construction of each switch may differ, resulting in slight variations in sound and feel.
Despite both switches featuring nylon housings, the Blue Lotus sets itself apart with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. This unique blend gives the Blue Lotus a distinct and premium feel that differs from the classic nylon top housing of the Cream Pink. The blend of plastics in the Blue Lotus may offer a slightly different typing experience compared to the Cream Pink, making the Blue Lotus stand out for those who prefer a switch with a more unique tactile experience. However, both switches still maintain the deep and full sound profile characteristic of nylon housing materials.
In terms of housing materials, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Cream Pink share similarities in their use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as the softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience with a premium feel, making them suitable for users who value a more muted sound while typing. Overall, while there may be subtle differences in the feel and sound between the two switches due to their unique housing designs, the shared use of nylon ensures a similar result in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Cream Pink's 50 grams. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cream Pink may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference based on individual typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly shallower feel when pressing down on a key, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Cream Pink provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may feel more satisfying to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Cream Pink 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 is characterized by a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switch offers an accented tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable amount of tactility. Additionally, its snappy and stepped feel enhances the typing experience, making it more responsive and dynamic. In contrast, information about the feel of the Cream Pink switch is unavailable. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a tactile and responsive feel accompanied by a bassy sound profile, the Durock Blue Lotus switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer linear switches with an unknown sound and feel profile, the Outemu Cream Pink switch may provide similar results but without the specific qualities to expect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch that offers a marked tactile feel with snappy responsiveness and vibrant RGB illumination, then the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke experience without any tactile feedback, then the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and Cream Pink switches comes down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preference for sound and feel.
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