Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Ocean stand out as distinct options. The Blue Lotus switch from Durock is a tactile switch that offers a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a satisfying tactile feel, making them ideal for those who prioritize a tactile typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column on the Blue Lotus switches adds a touch of visual appeal with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch that is known for its smooth keypresses and silent operation. While it may lack the tactile bump of the Blue Lotus, the Silent Ocean switch offers a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences in typing feel and noise levels. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Ocean offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel to the switch. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both switches have top housings made of different materials, they both offer a premium feel and sound quality, albeit with slight variations in tone and resonance.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the Silent Ocean feature nylon material, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a typing experience that delivers a satisfying tactile feedback and sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures consistency in sound quality and performance.
While the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Ocean differ in their top housing components, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced impact on sound and feel, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the premium feel of the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing or the sharper sound profile of the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing, both switches deliver on performance and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may opt for the Outemu Silent Ocean, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Durock Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Silent Ocean's 4 mm. The Blue Lotus offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, with the Blue Lotus being more suitable for those seeking a faster response, while the Silent Ocean caters to individuals who prefer a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 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
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is known for its bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer typing experience. The tactile feel of the Blue Lotus is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming. With its slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches are perfect for those looking for a tactile switch with a unique and visually appealing typing experience.
On the other hand, information is not available for the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch. However, linear switches are generally known for their smooth and consistent keystrokes without tactile feedback, making them ideal for fast and precise typing tasks.
In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile, marked tactile feel, and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience without tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should opt for the Blue Lotus if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, snappy responsiveness, and a vibrant RGB illumination. The Blue Lotus is ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel and a deeper, bassy sound profile. On the other hand, you should choose the Silent Ocean if you prefer a linear switch with a similar bottom out force, but without the tactile feedback. The Silent Ocean switch is best for those who prioritize a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for switch type, responsiveness, and sound profile.
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