Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Green. The Blue Lotus by Durock is a tactile switch known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches offer a marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with visual appeal. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green is a clicky switch with little information available, making it a bit of a mysterious choice. However, its clicky nature provides a satisfying audible feedback, ideal for those who enjoy the sound of typing. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to explore beyond the surface level details to determine which switch best suits your 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
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Green differ in their housing materials, with the Blue Lotus featuring a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing while the Dustproof Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The modified PC & UPE Blend housing of the Blue Lotus provides a unique and premium feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Green creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material in the Dustproof Green allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
Both the Blue Lotus and the Dustproof Green feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches utilizing this material. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches provides a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
In terms of functionality, the different housing materials of the Blue Lotus and the Dustproof Green affect the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the qualities and characteristics of each housing material is essential for users looking to customize their typing experience based on sound and feel preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is the lighter option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green is heavier, requiring 65 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Lotus would be the ideal choice, as it allows for more extended periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Dustproof Green due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide tactile feedback, but the difference in force requirements can significantly impact the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Dustproof Green clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus tactile switch. This means that the Dustproof Green switch will provide a slightly deeper feel when pressed compared to the Blue Lotus switch. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dustproof Green being on the longer side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance – whether you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, or a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress feel.
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 Green 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 is renowned for its bassy sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone with each key press. This creates a satisfying auditory experience for typists who appreciate a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to consider that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Blue Lotus switch is characterized by its accented tactile feedback, providing a moderate level of tactility that is neither too intense nor too subtle. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy, offering a responsive typing experience that feels lively. Furthermore, the Blue Lotus switch features a stepped design, giving users a distinct sensation of pre-travel and post-travel during key presses. On the other hand, there is no information available regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green switch, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch stands out for its distinctive tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and captivating RGB illumination. With its bassy sound profile and accented tactile feel, the Blue Lotus switch caters to users who seek a tactile typing experience that engages multiple senses. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Green switch remain unknown, those who appreciate a similar tactile feel and sound profile to the Blue Lotus may find satisfaction with the Dustproof Green switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, you should consider the bottom out force, tactile feel, and sound profile that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a snappy and accented tactile feel, along with a bassy sound profile, the Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch with a specific sound profile, the Dustproof Green may be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and priorities when making your decision between these two switches.
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