Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Blue Lotus from Durock is renowned for its unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a pronounced tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches offer both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks a standout feature but is known for its reliability and solid performance. While the Blue Lotus is 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Snappy', and 'Stepped', the Milk Tea is not specifically categorized. Each switch has its own strengths and weaknesses, but both offer a tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with these housings. The nylon material is known for being softer and absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality from both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives the switch a unique and premium feel. This top housing material likely affects the sound when letting go of a key, providing a different acoustic experience compared to the Milk Tea. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing is described as offering a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. This difference in top housing material can lead to distinct auditory feedback for users of each switch.
Overall, the combination of nylon bottom housing and different top housing materials in the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Milk Tea switches results in a nuanced typing experience. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the top housing material imparts a unique acoustic quality to each switch. Whether you prefer the premium feel of the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing in the Blue Lotus or the bright sound signature of the Ly top housing in the Milk Tea, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires more force to register a key press. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus has a higher force of 65 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. The Blue Lotus is considered medium-heavy in both actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea may offer a lighter typing feel due to its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Milk Tea switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being on the longer side. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may lean towards the Blue Lotus with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more "substantial" feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Milk Tea with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience. Both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience, with the slight difference in travel distance potentially affecting the overall feel of the keyboard.
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 Milk Tea 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 known for its bassy sound profile, accented and snappy feel with a stepped tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have any specific descriptions available at the moment. Based on this information, it can be inferred that the Blue Lotus would provide a deep and rich sound with a medium level of tactility that is responsive and lively. Without specific details on the Milk Tea switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound and feel. However, if the Milk Tea switch is similar to the Blue Lotus in design and construction, it is likely to offer a similar level of performance in terms of sound and feel. When considering your choice between these two switches, keep in mind the specific characteristics you value in a switch and how they align with the available information on the Blue Lotus and Milk Tea switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, striking tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if bottom out force is not a concern and you are looking for a different typing experience, the Milk Tea could be worth exploring further. Ultimately, your personal preferences and typing style will guide you towards the switch that best suits your needs.
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