Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, it is evident that they offer unique qualities to suit different preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus stands out for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches not only deliver performance but also captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus lacks specific standout features but provides a smooth, linear keystroke experience. While the Blue Lotus is characterized as accented, bassy, snappy, stepped, the Lotus does not have specific defining characteristics. However, let's delve 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
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Outemu Lotus switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and typing experience. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium feel, while the Outemu Lotus incorporates a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both housing materials offer a softer plastic composition, with the nylon housing of the Outemu Lotus absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the modified PC & UPE Blend of the Blue Lotus.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Lotus utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing of each switch contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the impact of bottom-out sound and feel. The softer plastic composition of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound overall. While the bottom housing may not have as much of an impact on the overall sound compared to the top housing, it still plays a significant role in creating the overall typing experience of the switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Lotus switches offer distinct qualities that affect the sound and feel of each switch. While the Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing for a unique premium feel, the Outemu Lotus utilizes a classic nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar impact on sound and feel when it comes to bottoming out keys. Whether typing on the Durock Blue Lotus or Outemu Lotus, users can expect a tactile and immersive typing experience due to the carefully selected housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is clear that they offer different weight options for users to choose from. The Blue Lotus is on the heavier side, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Lotus is lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a light typing feel. The Blue Lotus requires more force to trigger a keystroke, making it better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Lotus is lighter and may be more suitable for users looking for a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to individual preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The shorter travel of the Outemu Lotus may provide a slight advantage in this aspect compared to the Blue Lotus. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, in which case the slightly longer travel distance of the Blue Lotus could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a quicker response or a more substantial key press 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 Lotus 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
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is renowned for its unique blend of tactile intensity and snappy responsiveness, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who prefer a pronounced tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a detachable light column for added aesthetics, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience coupled with vibrant RGB illumination. In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus offers a deep, bassy profile during key presses, adding to the overall sensory experience. The feel of the Blue Lotus is also characterized by its accented tactility, snappy responsiveness, and stepped tactile feel, providing a tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Lotus linear switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, based on the qualities of the Blue Lotus switch, it is safe to assume that the Outemu Lotus linear switch may offer a different typing experience with smoother linear action and potentially quieter operation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should choose the Blue Lotus if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, marked tactile feel, and vibrant RGB illumination. The Blue Lotus is known for its snappiness and tactile intensity, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, you should opt for the Lotus linear switch if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear typing experience without any tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, bottom out force, and sound profile.
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