Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Brown both fall under the tactile category, offering a different typing experience for users. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a softer and more refined feel compared to other tactile switches on the market. With a 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished' categorization, the Light Tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch does not have a specific standout feature but still delivers a tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Brown use polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through the housing. However, the difference may lie in the specific design and thickness of the top housing, which can affect the sound produced when typing on the switch.
On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience. This can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when compared to switches with different bottom housing materials.
While both switches share similar housing materials for different components, the specific design and construction of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Brown can lead to subtle differences in typing experience. The balance between the top and bottom housing materials in each switch can affect how the sound and feel of typing on the switch are perceived. Ultimately, users may prefer one over the other based on their individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force of the Durock Light Tactile is 52 grams, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Dustproof Brown the lighter of the two switches. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving them a similar heavy feel when fully pressed. The Light Tactile may provide a slightly stronger push feel during typing due to its higher actuation force, while the Dustproof Brown allows for a lighter touch when initiating key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing experience, with the Light Tactile offering a more substantial feel and the Dustproof Brown providing a lighter touch for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance is the same, so users can expect a similar experience in terms of keypress feel and actuation depth. The 4mm travel distance for both switches ensures a satisfying tactile feedback while typing, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Whether you choose the Durock Light Tactile or the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch, you can expect a consistent and reliable typing experience with a travel distance that allows for precise and comfortable keypresses.
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 Dustproof Brown 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 Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it versatile for various typing environments. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is not available. It is worth noting that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch is praised for its mild and polished characteristics, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience. The tactile feedback is described as angelic and jelly-like, offering a unique feeling compared to sharper tactile switches. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a softer typing experience. In contrast, the information available for the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is limited, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. If you enjoy the characteristics of the Durock Light Tactile switch, you may likely find similar results with the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switches, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a gentle and smooth tactility along with a moderate actuation force, the Durock Light Tactile would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a dustproof design and are comfortable with a slightly lighter actuation force, the Outemu Dustproof Brown may be more suitable for you. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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