Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Blue Lotus is praised for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy 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 switches offer both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom lacks any standout features or distinct characteristics. While the Blue Lotus is categorized as accented, bassy, snappy, and stepped, the Tom is simply categorized as standard. These differences may influence your decision when choosing between the two switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 Tom switches play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and feel of the keyboard. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which is known for providing a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Tom utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer durability and a sleek aesthetic, the Blue Lotus may provide a softer typing experience compared to the Tom due to its UPE Blend component.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material that is prized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize this material. Despite the similar choice of housing material, the bottom housing of each switch may contribute differently to the overall typing experience. The Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing could potentially offer a smoother bottom-out sound and feel, while the Tom's nylon bottom housing may enhance the overall depth and resonance of the typing sound.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in the Blue Lotus and the Tom switches results in nuanced differences in sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Blue Lotus's blend of PC and UPE in the top housing offers a premium feel and potentially softer typing experience, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing delivers a crisper and sharper sound. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in the bottom housing, providing a deep and full sound profile during typing. Whether you prefer a softer feel or a sharper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch both have an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a consistent feel when typing. However, the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel compared to the Tom switch, which does not have a specified bottom out force. The difference in bottom out force can result in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. For users who enjoy lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Blue Lotus may not be the ideal choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches have the same actuation force, but the Blue Lotus offers a heavier typing experience with its higher bottom out force compared to the Tom switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Tom has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. The 0.4 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the overall feel and experience when typing. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Tom with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Tom 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 offers a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a detachable light column for RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches not only perform well but also provide a visually captivating experience. In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus is characterized by a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses. When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the Outemu Tom tactile switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the information provided, it is clear that the Blue Lotus switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience that is sure to please users looking for a tactile switch with a lively feel and captivating sound.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your preference for tactile intensity and responsiveness. If you enjoy a marked tactile feel with a slight reduction in travel distance, the Durock Blue Lotus switch might be the ideal choice for you. The Blue Lotus switches also offer vibrant RGB illumination and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer an unknown bottom out force and are looking for a switch with different characteristics, the Outemu Tom switch could be worth exploring further. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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