Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Green. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its distinctive tactile experience, featuring a balanced tactility and a unique jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green is known for its clicky feedback without any specific standout features. If you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a quieter typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a traditional typing feel, the Outemu Dustproof Green could be the better choice. Ultimately, delving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you determine which one suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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 Dustproof Green switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic enhances the clear and resonant sound produced by these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. While both switches share the same top housing material, differences in the design and construction of the switches may affect the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the Medium Tactile and the Dustproof Green switches have different bottom housing materials, with the Medium Tactile utilizing nylon and the Dustproof Green using polycarbonate. Nylon bottom housing tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, polycarbonate bottom housing, while still offering some sound absorption qualities, may produce a different sound due to its stiffness. This contrast in bottom housing materials could result in a noticeable difference in the typing experience between the two switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on typing experience, it is crucial to acknowledge the split between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The qualities of each housing material are manifested differently when pressing down on a key versus letting go of it. The top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Understanding these nuances can help users make informed decisions when choosing between switches with varying housing materials like the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Green. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound profile, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Durock Medium Tactile has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the Outemu Dustproof Green has an actuation force of 65 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile requires 65 grams, which makes it medium-heavy, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Green has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it heavier. The Medium Tactile switch offers a lighter actuation force, making it easier to type for extended periods, while the Dustproof Green switch provides a heavier push feel, ideal for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Medium Tactile switch may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Dustproof Green switch is better suited for those who prefer a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Green 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 amount of travel distance. In terms of comparing the two switches, they are both similar in this regard and will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This makes them both good options for those who prefer a 4 mm travel distance in their mechanical keyboard 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 Dustproof 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced and pronounced tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. This switch provides a satisfying typing experience with its accented, stepped, mild, and polished characteristics. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green switch is not specified, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of tactility and typing feel.
Overall, while the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Dustproof Green switches may offer different tactile and auditory experiences, without specific information on the Dustproof Green switch, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison between the two. If you enjoy the tactile feel and jelly-like sound signature of the Durock Medium Tactile switch, you may find similar results with the Outemu Dustproof Green switch, but it's recommended to consider trying out both switches to determine which one best suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches, consider the factors of bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound, then the Durock Medium Tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and a clicky switch without any particular standout features in terms of feel and sound, then the Outemu Dustproof Green switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sounds while considering the technical specifications. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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