Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a switch. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, as well as its jelly-like sound signature. This switch falls under categories such as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its clicky sound and satisfying tactile feedback. While it doesn't have specific categories like the Durock, it is favored by those who prefer a more traditional clicky switch experience. Both switches have their own merits and drawbacks, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Blue utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches where sound quality is a priority. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design. In terms of sound and aesthetic qualities, both switches offer similar characteristics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Blue sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more rounded and duller tone compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted typing experience that may appeal to users looking for a quieter switch option. While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing material, this sets them apart from each other in terms of sound quality and typing feel.
When considering the overall impact of housing materials on switch performance, the combination of top and bottom housings plays a significant role in the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom components, manufacturers can tailor the sound profile and typing feel of the switch to meet the preferences of users. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Blue will come down to personal preferences regarding sound quality, typing feel, and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Outemu Blue switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, but its bottom out force is also unknown. This means that the Outemu Blue switch may provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch. When considering weight, it is important to note that some prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions, while others prefer heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a consistent keypress feel regardless of which switch they choose. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Blue switches.
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 Blue 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
Overall, when comparing the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile provides a unique jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch offers a distinct clicky sound, but details about its specific feel are unknown. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two. Ultimately, selecting either switch will provide a satisfying typing experience, but it's important to consider individual preferences in sound and feel to ensure the best choice for your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Blue switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a lighter bottom out force and a crisp sound profile, then the Outemu Blue switch would suit your needs better. Consider factors such as typing comfort, noise levels, and overall typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that enhances your typing experience and allows you to enjoy using your mechanical keyboard to the fullest.
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