Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Green. The Light Tactile from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing users with a soft and smooth typing experience that is quite unique compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is known for its satisfying clicky sound, bringing a sense of auditory satisfaction to each keystroke. While the Light Tactile is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Green switch does not fall under any specific category. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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 Green both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for users who prioritize a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, adding a level of customization to the overall aesthetic of the switches. While both switches share this common characteristic, the differences may lie in the feel of the typing experience, as the design of the housings can affect the tactile feedback and sound produced.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Light Tactile and the Green both utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may be preferred by some users for its quieter typing experience. Although both switches feature nylon bottom housings, the impact of this material may vary based on personal preference and typing style.
Ultimately, the differences between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Green lie in how the qualities of the housing materials are distributed throughout the switches. The choice of material for the top and bottom housings can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound upon key release. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, whether it be a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, providing users with a range of options to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a lighter actuation force at 52 grams compared to the Outemu Green clicky switch at 65 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the Light Tactile. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Light Tactile requires 67 grams of force, while the Outemu Green switch requires 80 grams, indicating a heavier and more substantial typing experience with the Green switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Light Tactile for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more pronounced push feel may lean towards the Outemu Green switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience for users of these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Therefore, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between these two switches, making them equally suitable options for individuals who prefer a 4 mm travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 Green 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, making it suitable for a variety of users and environments. The gentle tactility of the switch results in a soft, jelly-like sound when typing, creating a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Green clicky switch is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Light Tactile switch provides a mild typing experience with its gentle tactility. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a less pronounced tactile feel. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Green clicky switch is unavailable.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch does not have available information on its sound and feel qualities. If consistency and reliability are important factors in your decision-making process, opting for the Durock Light Tactile switch may provide a similar experience across all fronts. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Green switches, you should consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you are looking for a gentle and smooth typing experience with a more neutral sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a clicky sound, the Outemu Green switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, it all boils down to your personal typing preferences and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style and environment best.
Mentioned in this article
