Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Red offer contrasting experiences for users. The Durock Medium Tactile is lauded for its unique tactile experience, featuring a pronounced yet balanced tactility that provides a jelly-like sound signature. With categories such as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', this switch is ideal for those who prefer a tactile feedback that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red is a linear switch that may appeal to those who prioritize a consistent and frictionless typing experience. Even though it is not known for any specific standout features, its reliability and simplicity may be advantageous for users seeking a straightforward linear switch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
The main difference between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Red lies in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their nylon bottom housing. The Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Dustproof Red's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience in terms of sound but may have slight variations in feel due to manufacturing differences.
In terms of performance, the characteristics of the housing materials in the Medium Tactile and Dustproof Red switches will impact the overall typing experience. The different top and bottom housing materials contribute to the sound profile of each switch. The nylon bottom housing in both switches influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, creating a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately aim to provide a tactile typing experience, with slight variations in sound and feel based on their housing materials.
Overall, while the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Dustproof Red may have slightly different housing materials, they both emphasize creating a tactile and satisfying typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches enhances the sound profile with its stiffer properties, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance of sound and feel, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Dustproof Red switches have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier than the Outemu Dustproof Red switch which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Durock switch is unknown, while the Outemu switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. Due to the lighter actuation force of the Outemu switch, it may feel more responsive and quicker to keystrokes compared to the Durock switch. In terms of weight, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch is lighter, making it potentially more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue can become an issue. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces. If you prefer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, either of these switches could provide a satisfactory typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch are both equal at 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you'll experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a satisfying feeling when typing or gaming, offering a consistent experience for users. This makes it a matter of personal preference when choosing between the two switches, as they both offer the same level of travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Red 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 tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, which adds a unique auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is not specified, so it may not have a distinct sound characteristic compared to the Medium Tactile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Medium Tactile switch is described as providing a balanced and pronounced tactility that falls into the category of "Accented" switches. This means it offers a moderate level of tactile feedback without being too aggressive or too subtle. Additionally, it is noted for its smooth and polished feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Comparatively, the tactile properties of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch are unspecified, so it's unclear how it would feel in comparison to the Medium Tactile.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch stands out for its unique sound profile and balanced tactile feedback, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch lacks specific information regarding its sound and feel characteristics, making it difficult to directly compare to the Medium Tactile. As a newcomer, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced tactility and jelly-like sound, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a recommended option. Conversely, if you are considering the Outemu Dustproof Red switch, further research or testing may be necessary to determine how it aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, then the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and dustproof capabilities, then the Outemu Dustproof Red switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactility and bottom out force, so make sure to consider these factors when choosing the best switch for your keyboard setup.
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