Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Dustproof Black offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switch by Durock is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying tactile feedback with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, making it perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel. Its detachable light column also adds a visually appealing touch with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, providing a more consistent typing experience. While the Blue Lotus is tactile, the Dustproof Black does not have any specific descriptors. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
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 the Outemu Dustproof Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which offers a premium feel, while the Dustproof Black boasts a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
While the top housing of the Blue Lotus and the Dustproof Black differ in material, with one featuring a modified PC & UPE Blend and the other showcasing polycarbonate, the bottom housing remains consistent with nylon for both switches. This means that while typing on these switches may feel slightly different due to the top housing material, the overall sound profile will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing's ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the differences in housing materials between the top and bottom contribute to unique typing experiences for each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Black may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel, while the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a switch with a more resonant sound from polycarbonate or a switch with a duller sound from nylon, both options offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, the Blue Lotus is lighter in terms of actuation force at 55 grams compared to the Dustproof Black's 60 grams. However, the Blue Lotus is heavier in terms of bottom out force at 65 grams compared to the Dustproof Black's 80 grams. This means that while the Blue Lotus requires less force to initially actuate a keypress, it requires more force to fully bottom out. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black necessitates more force both to actuate and bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions, the Blue Lotus may be the better option, while the Dustproof Black is ideal for those looking for a heavier and more tactile typing feel. Both switches offer unique advantages, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common, the slight difference between the two may be noticeable to some users. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus for quicker response times, while others may find the Dustproof Black's longer travel distance to provide a more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
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 Dustproof Black 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy tone, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This can create a satisfying auditory experience for users who prefer a lower frequency range in their switches. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Black switch is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard it is mounted on and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Blue Lotus is described as having an accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feel. This means that users can expect a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, as well as a high level of responsiveness due to the design of the springs. The stepped feel also provides a more subtle tactile experience compared to other switches. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Black switch to make a direct comparison.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a unique combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness with a bassy sound profile, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who appreciate both tactile feedback and auditory experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Black switch are unknown in terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results if they are looking for a linear switch with dustproof features. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall performance in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and actuation force. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile switch with a blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a linear switch without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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