Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Red stand out as two unique options in the market. The Durock Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that offers a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, marrying performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red is a linear switch that is known for its durability and reliability, although lacking distinct characteristics. While the Blue Lotus is best suited for those who prefer a tactile typing experience, the Dustproof Red is a solid choice for those looking for a straightforward linear switch. 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
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 Red switches have different top housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Dustproof Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Blue Lotus's housing material is known for its unique and premium feel, while the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both housing types have their own unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the individual switch designs may still offer unique characteristics that give them their own distinct feel and sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom and top housing materials are split between the two components, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective blend of materials. Whether it be the modified PC and UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus or the polycarbonate and nylon combination of the Dustproof Red, each switch offers its own unique sound profile and feel for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch with 45 grams, making the Blue Lotus a bit heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams, while the Dustproof Red needs 60 grams, making the Blue Lotus even heavier at the bottom. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dustproof Red may be the better choice for longer typing sessions or gaming. But if you enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a bit more resistance, the Blue Lotus might be the way to go. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, which means you'll get a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, your preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel will determine which switch is the right choice for you.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for fast and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red switch provides a slightly deeper key press due to its longer travel distance, which may be more comfortable for those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Red 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 tactile switch offers a bassy and rich sound profile during key presses, providing a deeper and more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feedback. This means that users can expect a moderate level of tactility that is responsive and slightly more nuanced than a standard tactile switch. Conversely, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is not provided.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out for its unique blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and striking visual appeal with its detachable light column for RGB illumination. While the sound and feel characteristics of the Blue Lotus switch are well-detailed, information on the Outemu Dustproof Red switch is lacking. Based on the available information, it can be concluded that users will likely experience a more tactile and lively typing experience with the Durock Blue Lotus switch, but for those who prefer a linear switch, the Outemu Dustproof Red may also offer a smooth and consistent typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feel with snappy responsiveness and striking visual appeal, the Blue Lotus with its 65g bottom out force and accented, snappy feel may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear experience with a slightly lighter 60g bottom out force, the Dustproof Red switch might be more suitable. Consider factors such as typing speed, sound preferences, and overall typing experience to make the best decision for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing style best.
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