Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Silver offer distinct experiences depending on your preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that is renowned for its blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches appeal to those who enjoy a marked tactile feel and a visually captivating experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch that is not as well-known but provides a different typing experience. While the Silver switch lacks specific standout features mentioned, some users prefer the smooth and consistent keystrokes that linear switches offer. When choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Silver, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and 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
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Silver both utilize different materials for their housing components, with the Blue Lotus featuring a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing while the Silver has a polycarbonate top housing. The Blue Lotus's housing material provides a unique and premium feel, while the Silver's polycarbonate material is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Silver switch also allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Despite their differences in the top housing material, the Blue Lotus and Silver switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound profile and feel. The Blue Lotus's UPE Blend top housing provides a premium and distinct feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound preference and aesthetic considerations.
One key difference between the Blue Lotus and Silver switches is the impact that the housing materials have on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material can affect not only the sound profile of the switch, but also the overall typing experience in terms of both sound and feel. Whether one prefers the unique feel of the Blue Lotus's UPE Blend top housing or the sharper sound profile of the Silver's polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their quality housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them both fall under the category of medium-heavy switches. The difference in actuation force means that the Blue Lotus may provide a slightly more resistant typing experience compared to the Silver. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force is essential for determining the force required to press keys all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Outemu Silver may be the better option, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Durock Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the weight of the switches plays a significant role in the typing experience and should be considered when choosing between the two.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, we find that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Outemu Silver has a slightly longer travel distance than the Durock Blue Lotus. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, with the Silver being slightly longer, they still offer a quicker response time compared to switches with longer travel distances. The Blue Lotus, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking a faster response time, while the Outemu Silver, with its 4 mm travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Silver 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 are known for their bassy profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This can be attributed to the switch design and components used. On the other hand, information is not available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Silver linear switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means that they provide a medium level of tactile feedback without being overly intense, offer quick responsiveness, and have a two-stage tactile feel. These qualities combine to offer a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer tactile switches. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switches.
Taking into consideration the available information, it is clear that the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches offer a unique blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and a satisfying sound profile. The switch's design with a reduced travel distance and detachable light column for RGB illumination adds to its appeal for enthusiasts looking for a tactile typing experience. While the Outemu Silver linear switches may provide a different feel and sound profile, without specific details, it is difficult to directly compare the two. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Lotus and Silver switches will depend on individual preference for tactile feedback and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a unique blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and captivating visual appeal, the Durock Blue Lotus switch would be the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and snappy feel, these switches are perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silver switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience.
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