Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Lime. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a contrasting experience to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Lime switches from Outemu are truly unique, boasting a lightweight design and approachable tactility while also being silenced. These switches are the perfect choice for tactile enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. Both switches fall under the 'Neutral' and 'Mild' categories, with the Light Tactile also being described as 'Polished' and the Lime as 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Lime switches have distinct differences in terms of sound profile. The Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Lime switch features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile. So while the Light Tactile emphasizes clarity and brightness, the Lime switch focuses on depth and richness.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Light Tactile and Lime switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material enhances the sound profile by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to their similar characteristics in terms of sound. Typing on either switch with the nylon bottom housing will result in a satisfying and immersive sound experience, as the nylon enhances the depth and resonance of the keystrokes.
It is important to note that, while the bottom housing of the switches remains the same, the top housing material impacts specific aspects of the sound profile. The Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing adds sharpness, higher pitches, and crispness to the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Lime switch provides a deeper and fuller sound upon releasing a key. Thus, the top housing material plays a crucial role in the distinct characteristics of the sound profile when letting go of a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer satisfying tactile feedback and an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that the Light Tactile switch is heavier than the Lime switch in both aspects. The Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Lime switch has a lower actuation force of 35 grams, making it lighter. Similarly, the Light Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Lime switch has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Light Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which some users prefer. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a lighter experience, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Therefore, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Lime switch, while those seeking a heavier and more substantial feel may choose the Light Tactile switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have different travel distances. The Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is considered the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Lime has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Lime switch due to its shorter travel distance. This allows for quicker keystrokes and improved reaction times in gaming scenarios. However, some individuals may find the abruptness of shorter travel distances uncomfortable and prefer a switch with more depth. In such cases, the Durock Light Tactile's longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness and key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Lime switches, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound level that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or in a work environment. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, you can expect a similar sound experience with both switches, with a moderate and pleasant sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Light Tactile and the Lime switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle tactile feedback compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities are in a safe and middle-ground zone. Both switches are also described as having a polished feel, which indicates that they have a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The polished feel can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing. Therefore, you can expect a comfortable and smooth typing feel with both the Light Tactile and the Lime switches.
In conclusion, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Lime switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both have a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate and pleasant typing experience suitable for most users. Additionally, they both offer a mild and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable and smooth typing experience. If you choose either of these switches, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Remember that the overall experience may also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a more pronounced and gentle tactility, along with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Light Tactile switch is the way to go. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, it provides a smooth and refined typing experience due to its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch is perfect for tactile fans who prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. With an actuation force of 45 grams, it reduces finger fatigue and is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Lime switch also offers a gentle resistance and a subtle sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. Like the Light Tactile, it features a polished finish for a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Lime switches depends on your preference for tactility and typing experience. Consider whether you prefer a more pronounced tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force or a feathery light typing experience with a light bottom out force. Both switches provide moderate sound profiles and a polished finish for a refined typing experience.
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