Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and typing style. Two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Peach, a linear switch. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel and snappiness that many users enjoy. Additionally, the detachable light column allows for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches stand out for being incredibly lightweight and silenced. This makes them ideal for linear switch enthusiasts who crave a feathery light typing experience. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', these switches offer a subtle and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Outemu Peach differ in their housing materials, as the Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the Blue Lotus provides a unique and premium feel to the switch, which may result in a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Outemu Peach offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic and increased sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the Outemu Peach incorporate nylon housing. This classic switch housing material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to its softer plastic and sound absorption properties. Therefore, both switches may offer a similar sound experience with a dull and round sound when bottoming out.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall typing experience. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. However, when releasing a key, the top housing takes over and influences the sound produced. While the Blue Lotus and the Outemu Peach may have different top and bottom housings, they still share similarities in terms of the impact on sound production when pressing and releasing keys.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Peach requires only 40 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Outemu Peach lighter in terms of actuation force. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Blue Lotus is heavier at 65 grams, compared to the 50 grams required by the Outemu Peach. Therefore, the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces. However, both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel, albeit with different levels of force required. So, while the Blue Lotus is the heavier option, those who prefer lighter switches will achieve similar results with the Outemu Peach.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Peach linear switch is 3.3 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances like the Outemu Peach. Its 3.3 mm distance allows for quicker key presses and improved reaction times. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus with its slightly longer 3.7 mm travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying typing experience. The longer travel distance can provide a greater sense of depth and solidity when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either a swift and responsive typing experience or a more substantial and tactile 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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 switches offer a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches have a neutral sound profile, which is moderate in terms of both actuation force requirement and sound. Additionally, the Outemu Peach switches are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide an accented tactility, offering a medium level of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches are also described as snappy, delivering a super responsive typing experience. Furthermore, the Blue Lotus switches are referred to as stepped tactile switches, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel in comparison to switches with a single big bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches offer a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle tactile feedback compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These switches are also described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. Moreover, the Outemu Peach switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are best known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, providing a marked tactile feel. They offer a bassy sound profile and deliver an accented and snappy typing experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are known for being lightweight and silenced, providing a feathery light typing experience. They offer a neutral sound profile with muted characteristics and deliver a gentle and approachable typing experience. While these switches have different qualities, both can provide satisfying results depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy, accented, and stepped feel, then the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, making them perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually appealing element to your mechanical keyboard.
On the other hand, if you are a linear switch lover and prefer a lighter typing experience, then the Outemu Peach switches would be a better fit for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a feathery light typing experience. They are also silenced, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Outemu Peach switches have a mild, subtle, and polished feel, providing a gentle resistance, a soft sound signature, and a smooth typing experience.
Overall, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Peach switches ultimately comes down to individual preferences. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, go for the Durock Blue Lotus. If you prefer a lighter linear switch with a silent and polished feel, opt for the Outemu Peach. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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