Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they each offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Blue Lotus excels in providing a tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel during typing. Additionally, its slightly reduced travel and detachable light column add to its appeal for users seeking performance and captivating visual aesthetics. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stands out for its quiet, tactile typing experience and satisfying "thocky" sound, appealing to individuals who prioritize a quiet working environment. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon in their construction. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide a more rounded and muted sound experience, making them ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. However, the Blue Lotus also incorporates a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which may offer a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Silent Yellow Jade.
While both the Blue Lotus and the Silent Yellow Jade feature nylon as their top and bottom housing material, the Blue Lotus also includes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. This additional material may provide a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's full nylon construction. The combination of the softer nylon material with the potentially more rigid PC & UPE Blend top housing in the Blue Lotus may create a hybrid typing experience that balances comfort and durability. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's full nylon construction may prioritize a deeper and fuller sound profile without the added complexity of different housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade will come down to personal preferences in terms of sound profile, tactile feel, and durability. Both switches offer the benefits of nylon housing, which absorbs sound for a quieter typing experience. However, the Blue Lotus's inclusion of a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing may provide a unique feel that sets it apart from the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, users will need to consider whether they prioritize a premium typing experience with a blend of materials or a more straightforward nylon construction for a deeper sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we can see that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams. However, the Blue Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus will require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Blue Lotus. Gamers may prefer the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Durock Blue Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may influence the user's preference based on their individual typing or gaming 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 Silent Yellow Jade 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 switch is best characterized as having a bassy profile, offering a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, which is unique to the silent tactile lineup. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and external factors such as keyboard and keycap choices.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is accentuated by its medium tactile feel that is not overly pronounced yet still offers a noticeable bump. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy due to its swift responsiveness, making typing feel more lively. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is currently unknown. The absence of information on its tactile feel leaves room for speculation, but it is important to note that personal preference will ultimately determine which switch provides a more satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switch stands out for its bassy sound profile and accented, snappy tactile feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a quiet typing experience with a unique "thocky" sound. When choosing between the two, individuals should consider their preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer quality characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for newcomers and seasoned keyboard enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, along with vibrant RGB illumination, then the Durock Blue Lotus switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a unique translucent jade yellow housing, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a snappy and visually captivating typing experience or a quiet and satisfying tactile feel. Consider your preferences and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and aesthetic preferences.
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