Outemu Lime vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch and are torn between the Outemu Lime and the Durock Medium Tactile, you're in for a treat. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, but with their own unique twists. The Lime switches are incredibly unique in that they are lightweight, feature an approachable tactility, and are silenced. This makes them perfect for tactile fans who crave a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility and has a jelly-like sound signature. It is also known for its polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Durock Medium Tactile switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lime features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is advantageous if RGB lighting is a factor, as its translucency allows for better lighting effects.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Lime and the Medium Tactile switches employ nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and thus creates a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the two switches will deliver similar results in terms of the typing experience. Pressing down on either switch will evoke the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel.
However, it's worth noting that the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. The nylon top housing of the Lime and the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile offer distinct auditory experiences. Releasing a key on the Lime will result in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Medium Tactile will produce a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in sound profiles can be attributed to the different properties of the top housing materials.
In summary, the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Durock Medium Tactile switches vary in their impact on sound profiles. The Lime's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in similar typing experiences. However, the sound produced when releasing a key will differ due to the distinct properties of the top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are distinct differences. The Lime switch has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it relatively light in terms of force required. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, its bottom out force is 65 grams, indicating a medium to heavy force required for full key depression.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Lime switch is lighter, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lighter weight allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Medium Tactile switch leans towards the heavier end of the force spectrum, providing a more substantial push feel. This can be desirable for those seeking a more robust typing experience.
It should be noted that if the actuation forces of both switches were equal, the resulting typing experience would be similar in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the difference lies in the bottom out force, with the Medium Tactile switch having a higher force requirement. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When it comes to the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4 mm travel distance of the Medium Tactile switch. The Lime offers a shorter travel distance which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch provides a more substantial depth with its longer 4 mm travel distance. It all comes down to personal preference, as some may find the shorter distance of the Lime to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate its quick and responsive feel. In conclusion, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for quick response times or a longer travel distance for a more satisfying key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switches provide a neutral and muted experience. As a neutral switch, it offers a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, and whether used at home or in a work setting. The muted characteristic of the Lime switches ensures a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the Durock Medium Tactile switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switches provide a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. Being a mild switch, it offers a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of characteristics. The feathery attribute indicates that the switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the subtle nature of these switches means they have a gentle resistance while maintaining a light typing feel, making them suitable for shared spaces. The polished characteristic of the Lime switches ensures a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Durock Medium Tactile switches offer an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. The accented attribute refers to a tactile switch that is not hypertactile but provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Stepped switches are described as having two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a mild tactile experience. The mild characteristic of the Durock Medium Tactile switches offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Like the Lime switches, the Durock Medium Tactile switches also feature a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lime tactile switches and Durock Medium Tactile switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lime switches are best known for their lightweight, approachable tactility, and silenced nature, offering a feathery light typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switches provide a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, along with accented and stepped attributes. While the specific sound characteristics of the Medium Tactile switches are not mentioned, it shares some similarities with the Lime switches in terms of the polished feel and mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a feather-light typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are incredibly unique, featuring a lightweight feel and an approachable tactility. Additionally, they are silenced, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Lime switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light, and it offers a mild and subtle typing feel. It is also polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a great option. These switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls on the medium-heavy range. They offer an accented tactility, which is neither overwhelming nor subtle, and they also feature a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Outemu Lime and Durock Medium Tactile switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a lightweight feel, approachable tactility, and a quiet typing experience, the Lime switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile switch will suit your needs. Consider your typing style, desired level of tactility, and sound preferences when making your decision.
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