Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The blue lotus switch by Durock is praised for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, offering a satisfying typing experience with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile feel and enjoy striking RGB illumination thanks to its detachable light column. On the other hand, the dustproof silent ocean by Outemu is a linear switch that is known for its silent operation and dustproof design. While the blue lotus is described as accented, bassy, snappy, stepped, the dustproof silent ocean does not have any specific descriptors. Each switch offers unique benefits, but to make the best choice for your needs, let's delve deeper into their individual characteristics.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Blue Lotus features a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Silent Ocean's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Blue Lotus's UPE Blend housing. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean differ in their top housing materials. The Blue Lotus's UPE Blend housing offers a unique and premium feel, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing allows for a clear and translucent appearance, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. Both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of switches using nylon material. Despite their differences in top housing material, both switches offer a unique visual and auditory experience that sets them apart from other switches in the market.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials will affect different aspects of the switch. The bottom housing material, such as nylon in both the Blue Lotus and Dustproof Silent Ocean, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether it be UPE Blend in the Blue Lotus or polycarbonate in the Dustproof Silent Ocean, will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to a dynamic typing experience for users looking for a premium and customized feel.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy switches overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean would be the better choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Durock Blue Lotus despite its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar bottom out force, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing feedback and experience.
Travel distance
The Blue Lotus tactile switch from Durock features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Blue Lotus provides slightly more depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Silent Ocean 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 tactile switch is best described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This resonates well with users who enjoy a lower frequency range and a more substantial sound. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is currently unavailable. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is characterized by its accented, snappy, and stepped qualities. This means that users can expect a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable, accompanied by a super responsive typing experience. The stepped feel also provides a sense of differentiation between pre-travel and post-travel stages, adding to the overall typing dynamic. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is unknown.
Considering the information presented, it's evident that the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a distinctive blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and a bassy sound profile. This combination caters to individuals who prefer a tactile typing experience with a deeper, richer sound. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch remain unknown, it's essential to consider personal preferences and typing preferences when selecting the most suitable switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, and the choice between the two would depend on individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and visual aesthetics. If you value a more pronounced tactile response with a snappy feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and dustproof design, the Dustproof Silent Ocean could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific features that matter most to you.
Mentioned in this article
