Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that the Blue Lotus offers a unique tactile experience with its intense and swift responsiveness. The Blue Lotus switches stand out with their tactile feel and reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, perfect for those who appreciate a distinctive tactile sensation while typing. In addition, the detachable light column feature of the Blue Lotus adds a visually captivating element with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean may not have a specific standout feature like the Blue Lotus, but it still offers 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Ocean both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, offering a premium and unique feel. In contrast, the Ocean's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials are different, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through their distinct characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Lotus and the Ocean feature nylon in their construction. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that both switches prioritize a satisfying typing sound that is rich and immersive. Despite their differences in top housing materials, the nylon bottom housings of these switches align in their goal of enhancing the overall typing experience through sound dynamics.
The split between top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The qualities of each housing material contribute to different aspects of the sound profile and feel when typing on the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during bottom-out sounds and feels, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the unique characteristics of each housing material, users can appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into creating a satisfying typing experience with switches like the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Ocean.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch also has an actuation force of 55 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Outemu Ocean's bottom out force unavailable for comparison. In terms of weight, the Blue Lotus is relatively heavier with its bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Outemu Ocean. When considering weight, some prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions, while others prefer heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Ocean due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for faster keypresses may prefer the Blue Lotus for its swift actuation. On the other hand, the Ocean provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who enjoy a more robust feeling when typing. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences in typing 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 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
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is known for its distinct tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a favorite among users who appreciate a marked tactile feel. The reduced travel distance of 3.7mm adds to its snappy nature, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column of the Blue Lotus allows for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating element to its performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have as much information available about its qualities.
When it comes to sound, the Blue Lotus is described as having a bassy profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This lower frequency range can resemble the depth and richness associated with bass tones, contributing to an immersive typing experience. The sound of the Ocean switch is not specified, but it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a balanced tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The prominent amount of tactility in these switches, along with their responsiveness, enhances the typing experience and makes each keystroke feel more alive. The Outemu Ocean switch does not have detailed descriptions available for its feel.
Overall, based on the information provided, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a unique blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and visual appeal, making it a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Outemu Ocean switch may offer similar qualities, the lack of specific details makes it harder to compare the two directly. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and Outemu Ocean tactile switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you appreciate a medium-heavy bottom out force, a marked tactile feel with snappiness, and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a different bottom out force or specific sound and feel characteristics, you may want to explore the Outemu Ocean switches further. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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