Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Purple mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their individual characteristics and strengths. The Durock Blue Lotus is renowned for its combination of tactile intensity and rapid responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback while typing. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches not only deliver high performance but also offer a visually captivating experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switches do not have a specific standout feature but are known for their reliability and budget-friendly price point. While the Durock Blue Lotus is 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Snappy', and 'Stepped', the Outemu Purple does not fall into any distinct category. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
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
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 main difference between the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Purple switches lies in their top housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel. In comparison, the Purple switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer distinct advantages, the Blue Lotus may provide a more luxurious typing experience, whereas the Purple switch may appeal to those who prefer a more precise and resonant sound.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing material. Nylon is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, whether you opt for the Blue Lotus or the Purple switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing material. The duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom housing enhances the overall acoustics of the switch, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of this classic housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Purple switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound profile and typing feel. While the top housing materials differ between the two switches, both offer a high-quality typing experience thanks to the nylon bottom housing. Whether you prioritize a premium feel and unique sound profile of the Blue Lotus or the sharper, crisper sound of the Purple switch, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in determining the overall performance and user experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Outemu Purple has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Weight plays a significant role in the typing experience, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions, while a heavier switch provides a more substantial feel. Therefore, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Outemu Purple, while those seeking a heavier push feel may lean towards the Durock Blue Lotus.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Purple tactile switches offer a slightly different travel distance for users to consider. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter compared to the Purple switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While the 0.3 mm may not seem like a significant difference, it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch when typing or gaming. Players looking for quicker response times may lean towards the Blue Lotus, while those who prefer a more substantial key press experience may opt for the Outemu Purple. However, it's essential to note that both options fall within the typical range of travel distance, providing users with a satisfactory keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Purple 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 switches are known for their bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This adds a satisfying element to the typing experience, enhancing the overall tactile feedback provided by the switches. In comparison, the sound profile of the Outemu Purple switches is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound characteristics.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means they provide a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming, offer a high level of responsiveness, and feature a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. These qualities contribute to a dynamic and engaging typing experience for users who prefer a tactile switch. The tactile feel of the Outemu Purple switches is not provided, making it challenging to compare the two in terms of feel.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a unique combination of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and a visually appealing design with RGB illumination. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Purple switches are unknown, it is safe to say that if they provide similar characteristics to the Blue Lotus switches, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with both options. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a pronounced tactile feel with snappy responsiveness and vibrant RGB illumination, then the Blue Lotus switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if bottom out force is a crucial factor for you and you prefer a different tactile experience, the Outemu Purple switches, despite the lack of available information, may be worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired sound and feel profiles.
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