Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Blue 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 Blue. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a softer and more subtle typing experience compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its satisfying clicky feedback, perfect for those who enjoy the audible click sound while typing. While the Light Tactile switch offers a polished and mild tactile feel, the Outemu Blue switch lacks any specific features beyond its clicky nature. 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
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Blue, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. This commonality in the top housing material ensures that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from both switches.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Light Tactile utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Outemu Blue's use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that complements the sharpness of the polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials gives each switch a unique typing experience, with the Light Tactile offering a more muffled bottom-out sound compared to the Outemu Blue.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Light Tactile housing materials allows for a balance of sharp, crisp sounds from the top housing and deeper, fuller tones from the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue's uniform use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings results in a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. Whether users prefer a more varied sound profile with the Light Tactile or a consistent sound with the Outemu Blue, both switches offer high-quality materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the Light Tactile has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Blue's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Light Tactile is also heavier at 67 grams, while the Blue's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Light Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by users looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, and choosing between them would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Blue clicky switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This makes them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, providing a consistent typing experience for users. While other factors such as actuation force and tactile feedback may differ between the two switches, their travel distance remains the same. This makes it easy for users to switch between keyboards utilizing either of these switches without feeling a significant difference in the physical travel distance of the keys.
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 Blue 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 Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch does not have a listed sound description. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Outemu Blue switch does not have a listed feel description. Both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Light Tactile switch being more welcoming to a wider range of users due to its gentle tactility.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a unique and potentially appealing choice for those seeking a softer tactile experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue switch are unknown, utilizing the Light Tactile switch may yield similar results in terms of sound and feel for those looking for a different typing experience. Remember to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you are looking for a gentle and angelic tactile typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. It provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback and a distinct sound profile, the Outemu Blue switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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