Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch with the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it becomes clear that each offers distinct advantages based on individual preferences. The Blue Lotus is celebrated for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for users who enjoy a marked tactile feel. Additionally, its reduced travel distance and detachable light column for RGB illumination add to its appeal. On the other hand, the Silent Green linear switch, although lacking specific standout features, offers a smooth and consistent keystroke experience. While these general points provide a brief overview, diving deeper into the characteristics of each switch will help you make the best decision based on your unique needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus features a unique combination of a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel and a clear, resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Green switch utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The difference in housing materials results in contrasting sound profiles, with the Blue Lotus offering a mix of clarity and depth, while the Silent Green provides a crisper and sharper tonality.
Both the Blue Lotus and the Silent Green switches benefit from the unique properties of their respective housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Green switch enhances the sound clarity and resonance, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Lotus contributes to a fuller sound profile and a softer typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to optimize sound quality and provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Green will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel. While the Blue Lotus offers a blend of premium feel and deep sound with its unique housing materials, the Silent Green excels in creating a sharp and crisp sound profile. Both switches offer distinctive qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, making them suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile. Whether you prioritize clarity and resonance or depth and fullness in your typing experience, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the actuation force of the Blue Lotus is heavier at 55 grams compared to the Silent Green's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Lotus is still heavier at 65 grams compared to the Silent Green's 60 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke and to press all the way down. Weight plays a crucial role in the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches offer a more substantial feel. Overall, the Blue Lotus provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Silent Green offers a medium force typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Green switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. A 0.3 mm may seem like a small difference, but it can still be noticeable when typing or gaming. The shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus may be favored by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Green might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Silent Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This can add a satisfying auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to compare in this aspect. Both switches can produce different sound profiles based on the keyboard and keycaps used, so the ultimate sound experience may vary for each user.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is praised for its accented tactility, bringing a noticeable amount of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still appreciated. Additionally, its snappy and stepped feel adds responsiveness and a unique typing experience. In contrast, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is lacking. Therefore, it's unclear how its tactile response would compare to the Blue Lotus in terms of key feel. With similar switch types, one can expect comparable responses in terms of tactile feel and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Green switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus excels in providing a bassy sound profile and an accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile and responsive typing experience. While information regarding the Silent Green switch is sparse, it's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person or reading more reviews from users who have experience with them can help in making an informed decision based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, snappy responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination, then the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a silent linear feel, the Silent Green switch may be more suited to your typing style. Remember to consider factors such as sound profile, tactility, and overall typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that enhances your typing experience and aligns with your personal preferences.
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