Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Cream Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, the key difference lies in their tactile feedback. The Blue Lotus by Durock stands out for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who prefer a marked tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches deliver snappy feedback and are enhanced by a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch offers a different tactile experience with a focus on a smooth and consistent keystroke. While it may lack the visual appeal of RGB lighting, it provides a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Lotus and Cream Yellow switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and visual aesthetics. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Cream Yellow both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend for its top housing, giving it a premium and unique feel. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. While both materials offer a quality typing experience, the Blue Lotus may provide a more luxurious feel compared to the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and Cream Yellow switches opt for a nylon material. This choice allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon has sound-absorbing properties that create a rounder and more muffled sound compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch, contributing to the overall typing experience. Despite their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus and Cream Yellow switches may still offer slightly different sound profiles based on their other housing materials.
Overall, while the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Cream Yellow switches share some similarities in their choice of housing materials, they also offer distinct characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing may provide a premium feel that stands out from the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing, which focuses on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housing, but subtle differences in the overall typing experience may still be present. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow is lighter in both aspects. The Blue Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may favor the Blue Lotus for its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance, which may provide a slightly quicker key press compared to the Blue Lotus. However, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so users can expect comparable results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the feel of the key press.
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 Yellow 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 bassy profile with a deeper and richer sound during key presses, providing a lower frequency range similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means it provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, offers a super responsive typing experience, and gives the sensation of a two-stage keystroke. As for the Outemu Cream Yellow switch, the feel characteristics are unknown. This lack of information may point to a less-defined tactile experience compared to the Blue Lotus switch.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out for its distinctive blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination. Its unique characteristics make it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a noticeable tactile bump and snappy keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch lacks specific details in terms of sound and feel, suggesting a more neutral or standard tactile switch experience. It is recommended to consider personal preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile intensity and sound profile. If you value a marked tactile feel with swift responsiveness and a vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and are not particularly concerned with additional features, the Cream Yellow could be a suitable option. Consider your typing preferences and desired typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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