Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Black offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with a unique jelly-like sound signature. Categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is known for its smooth linear action. While it lacks specific descriptors like the Medium Tactile, it is favored for its straightforward and consistent feel. If you prefer a simpler typing experience without tactile feedback, the Outemu Black may be the better choice for you. 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
N/A
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Black, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be paired with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in terms of the specific design and construction, leading to subtle variations in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Medium Tactile and the Outemu Black differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is noted for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Outemu Black also features a nylon bottom housing, suggesting that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, subtle differences in design and construction may still contribute to variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall typing experience of a switch, it becomes clear that each material brings unique qualities to the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in creating a well-rounded typing experience. Overall, while the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Black may share similar housing materials, the specific design and construction of each switch will ultimately determine their individual characteristics and performance.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has an actuation force of None grams, while the Outemu Black switch has an actuation force of 65 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which means that despite the difference in actuation force, the end result in terms of pressure required to fully press the key will be similar. In terms of weight, the Durock switch is lighter due to its lower actuation force compared to the Outemu switch. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Durock switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier actuation force of the Outemu switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Black switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you'll experience a similar amount of travel before reaching the bottom. The tactile feedback of the Durock Medium Tactile may provide a more pronounced bump during the travel compared to the smoother linear action of the Outemu Black. However, in terms of distance traveled, both switches offer the same amount of travel, resulting in a comparable typing experience in that aspect.
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 Black 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 Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Black linear switch is not specified. It should be noted that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is lauded for its accented, stepped, mild, and polished characteristics. These qualities combine to offer a tactile typing experience that is both noticeable yet smooth, making it ideal for users who prefer a tactile switch without overwhelming tactility. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Black switch is not provided, making direct comparisons difficult.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its balanced tactility, unique sound profile, and a combination of accented, stepped, mild, and polished characteristics that contribute to a pleasant typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Black switch are not defined in the given information, based on the known attributes of the Durock Medium Tactile switch, users can expect similar results in terms of feel and sound with the Outemu Black linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and sound signature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Black switches, you should consider your preference for tactility and bottom out force. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a balanced and pronounced tactile bump, along with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier linear switch with a bottom out force of 82 grams, the Outemu Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
