Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, a clear distinction can be drawn between their characteristics. The Blue Lotus offers a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a marked tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus excels in both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze lacks specific standout features but still offers a clicky typing experience. If you value a tactile typing experience with snappiness and visual appeal, the Blue Lotus may be the right choice for you. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze switches both utilize nylon for the top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. However, the Blue Lotus also features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel in comparison to the classic nylon material of the Spring Breeze. This difference in top housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Blue Lotus potentially offering a more tactile and satisfying feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and Spring Breeze switches utilize nylon material. This commonality may result in a similar typing experience in terms of the sound profile and feel when bottoming out keys. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound may be consistent across both switches, providing a cohesive typing experience regardless of brand. However, the Blue Lotus's addition of a modified PC and UPE blend for its bottom housing may offer a slightly different feel compared to the traditional nylon material of the Spring Breeze.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Durock Blue Lotus and Outemu Spring Breeze can impact the overall typing experience in subtle ways. While both switches share a nylon top housing for a deep and fuller sound profile, the Blue Lotus sets itself apart with its use of a modified PC and UPE blend, offering a premium feel. The differences in bottom housing materials may also contribute to variations in typing feel and sound, with the Blue Lotus potentially providing a more tactile experience compared to the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the preferred choice for individual users.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch. The Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Spring Breeze only needs 40 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. The difference in weight between the two switches can significantly impact typing and gaming experiences. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Spring Breeze for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor the heavier forces of the Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Spring Breeze slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are currently popular, with the Spring Breeze being a bit closer to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may favor the Blue Lotus for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Spring Breeze with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance.
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 Spring Breeze 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
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is known for its deep and rich sound profile, giving off a bassy sound during key presses. This adds a satisfying auditory experience to typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can vary depending on the overall setup of the keyboard, including factors such as the type of board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Lotus is praised for its accented tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. The presence of a stepped design also adds to the overall feel of the switch, giving users a unique keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the tactile and responsive qualities of the Spring Breeze switch are unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch stands out for its bold tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and deep bassy sound profile. Its unique features, such as the detachable light column for RGB illumination, make it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks specific information on its sound and feel qualities, users can expect a different typing experience compared to the Blue Lotus switch. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel, opt for the Durock Blue Lotus. The snappiness and responsiveness, coupled with captivating RGB illumination, make it a great choice for those seeking a tactile and visually appealing typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy clicky switches for a more traditional typing experience, the Outemu Spring Breeze may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your preference for tactile feel and bottom out force, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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