Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Dustproof Purple stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Durock Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that offers a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a satisfying tactile feel for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. Additionally, the detachable light column adds a visually appealing touch with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is a clicky switch that offers a different typing experience. While details about its specific features are not provided, clicky switches are known for their audible feedback and distinct click sound with each keystroke. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
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
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 Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel compared to the Dustproof Purple's polycarbonate top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend provides a different tactile experience with its material composition, potentially resulting in a smoother keystroke. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Purple creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, giving a crisper audio feedback during typing. Both materials have their advantages, with the Blue Lotus emphasizing a premium feel and the Dustproof Purple focusing on a clear and resonant sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and Dustproof Purple utilize nylon for its classic properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer composition, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound feedback and tactile response. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on providing a satisfying sound profile for users.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Blue Lotus and Dustproof Purple may differ, both play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite their material differences, the Blue Lotus and Dustproof Purple aim to enhance the user's typing experience by utilizing materials that contribute to a unique sound profile and tactile response. Whether it be the modified PC & UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus or the polycarbonate of the Dustproof Purple, both housing materials are carefully chosen to provide users with a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch both have similar actuation forces of 55 grams and bottom out forces of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy switches. This means that in terms of weight, both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and fully press down a key. Some may prefer this weight as it provides a balance between a light and heavy typing feel. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches may be considered on the heavier side. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the amount of force one prefers in a switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is notably shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch. The Blue Lotus offers a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple switch provides a slightly deeper feel due to its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Purple 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 is known for its bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This lower frequency range contributes to a more robust auditory experience, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch's sound profile remains unknown, making it difficult to compare the two switches in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is praised for its accented tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between subtlety and overwhelming feedback. Additionally, its snappy and stepped characteristics enhance the overall typing experience by offering a responsive feel with distinct stages in the keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch's tactile feel remains unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison between the two switches.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch stands out for its blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination. With its unique sound profile and well-balanced tactile feedback, this switch caters to users who value a pronounced tactile experience. However, without information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it's challenging to provide a comprehensive comparison between the two. If the Dustproof Purple switch aligns with the Blue Lotus in these aspects, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you value a tactile switch with a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, along with vibrant RGB illumination, then the Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with dustproof features and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Dustproof Purple could be the switch for you. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and keypress feel when making your decision between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your individual needs.
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