Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it all boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Blue Lotus stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who crave a noticeable tactile feel while typing. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus offers both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Silent White switch from Outemu lacks any specific standout features but is known for its smooth and silent operation. The absence of tactile feedback in the Silent White may appeal to those who prefer a more linear 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent White, we can see that they both feature nylon bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. However, the Blue Lotus stands out with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Silent White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from the properties of their respective housing materials, with the Blue Lotus offering a different tactile experience compared to the Silent White.
While the Blue Lotus and the Silent White both utilize nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, their top housing materials set them apart. The Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel, while the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and clearer sound profile. The usage of different materials in the top housing affects the overall typing experience, with the Blue Lotus offering a unique tactile sensation and the Silent White providing a crisper sound. Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches showcase the benefits of nylon in the bottom housing for a fuller sound experience.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent White play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, the choice of top housing material sets them apart. The Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing adds a premium touch and unique feel, while the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer a softer, fuller sound or a sharper, more resonant one, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Lotus is the heavier option. The Blue Lotus 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 Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent White switch, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, the Blue Lotus may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent White has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. The shorter travel distance of the Silent White may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 White 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches have a bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent White switches is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as having an accented tactile feel, with a noticeable but not overpowering level of tactility. These switches are also known for being snappy and stepped, providing a responsive and dynamic typing experience. Unfortunately, the information on the feel of the Outemu Silent White switches is unknown.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a combination of tactile intensity, responsiveness, and visual appeal with their vibrant RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switches remain a mystery in terms of their sound and feel characteristics. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a bassy sound profile and accentuated tactility, the Blue Lotus switches would be a solid choice. But for those seeking a linear switch with a silent operation, further information or hands-on experience may be needed to determine if the Silent White switches are the right fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. With its snappy feel, detachable light column, and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches offer both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent White switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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