Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile to the Outemu Gold mechanical keyboard switches, we can see clear distinctions between the two. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a smooth and polished typing experience with a unique jelly-like sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch does not have a specific standout feature but is known for its clicky response. Those who prefer a more subdued tactile feedback may lean towards the Light Tactile, while enthusiasts of the satisfying click sound may opt for the Outemu Gold. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
The Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Gold both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetic appeal and sound quality, both switches are likely to provide a similar experience due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
In contrast, the Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Outemu Gold also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their similar bottom housing materials, the Light Tactile and the Outemu Gold may have subtle differences in sound profile due to other design elements in their switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that even though the Light Tactile and the Outemu Gold share similar top housing materials, their bottom housing materials may contribute to slight variations in typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch. The Light Tactile requires 52 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, while the Gold switch only needs 45 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range of force, providing a satisfying typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Outemu Gold switch for longer typing sessions, while users who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Durock Light Tactile switch for a more robust typing experience. Overall, weight plays a significant role in determining the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance in terms of travel. As a result, in terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches. This makes them both suitable options for those looking for a consistent key feel and travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Gold 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 profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. The smooth and refined finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, information about the feel of the Outemu Gold switch is not available, so we can't make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, along with the mild and polished typing feel it offers. While information about the Outemu Gold switch is lacking in terms of sound and feel, if you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Light Tactile, you may find that it provides a comparable typing experience. Remember to consider your personal preferences and use case when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Gold switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a gentle, angelic tactility with a moderate actuation force, the Light Tactile may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium actuation force, the Gold switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you when typing. So, make sure to try out both switches if possible to see which one you prefer in terms of sound and feel.
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