Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer a tactile typing experience, but with distinct characteristics. The Blue Lotus switch from Durock stands out for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, offering a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm for a snappy typing experience. In addition, it features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, making it visually captivating. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback but lacks any standout features or characteristics. If you are looking for a switch with a strong tactile feel and noticeable tactile feedback, the Durock Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice. 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
55g
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
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 Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Crystal Brown switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall feel and sound profiles. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which offers a premium and unique feel, while the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the switches share similar qualities in their nylon bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience that elicits a round and dull sound.
While the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel to the switch, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Crystal Brown switch creates a more resonant sound due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The housing materials of the switches play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience, with each material contributing to the switches' distinct sound profiles.
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Crystal Brown switches, it is evident that the top housing material significantly impacts the sound profile of the switches. The modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Blue Lotus provides a unique feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown creates a sharper sound. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a medium-light feel. The difference in weight between the two switches can significantly impact typing preferences. Some users may enjoy the lighter actuation force of the Crystal Brown for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly shorter keystroke compared to the Crystal Brown. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the slight variance may be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Blue Lotus due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may opt for the Crystal Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for 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 Crystal 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
The Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This, combined with its accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feel, creates a unique typing experience that is both responsive and enjoyable. On the other hand, information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is not available. However, based on the characteristics of the Blue Lotus switch, it is likely that the Crystal Brown switch may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Overall, both switches provide a tactile typing experience with different qualities that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus is the way to go. Its swift responsiveness, vibrant RGB illumination, and unique tactile intensity make it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more traditional tactile feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for bottom out force, tactile feel, and overall typing experience. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style and preferences best.
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