Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Gold 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 Gold offer unique experiences for the discerning typist or gamer. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that delivers a distinctive clicking feedback for each keypress. While the Medium Tactile is categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Gold does not fall into any specific category. Each switch has its own appeal, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
1.80 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 Gold, it is important to note that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Medium Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Gold also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience.
The split housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Gold showcase how each material impacts the sound and feel of the switch differently. While the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sharp and clear sound when pressing and releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of each switch. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite this difference, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a balance of sharpness and depth in sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Gold may come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials that contribute to a distinct typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Medium Tactile or a deeper, fuller sound with the Gold, each switch provides a unique tactile and auditory experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Overall, the housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing feel and sound profile of the keyboard.
Weight
The actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is None grams, meaning it requires no specific amount of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is on the lighter side of medium. This means that the Outemu Gold switch is lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they both offer the same amount of key travel when pressed. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation depth when using either of these switches. However, it is worth noting that the travel distance of 4 mm may be considered on the shorter side compared to other switch options that offer longer key travel. Despite this, both switches are known for their tactile feedback and clicky sound, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize feel and sound in their typing experience.
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 Gold 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, while the Outemu Gold switch's sound characteristics are not specified. Both switches may produce different sound profiles based on factors like the keyboard they are placed in and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile is highlighted by its balanced and pronounced tactility, providing a medium level of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming nor subtle. This type of switch is typically referred to as accented or stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to polished characteristics. On the other hand, information about the specific feel of the Outemu Gold switch is not provided.
Considering the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile switch seems to offer a unique tactile experience with a distinctive sound profile, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a medium tactile switch. While the Outemu Gold switch's subjective qualities are not specified, if you are seeking a similar level of tactility and sound as the Durock Medium Tactile, it may be worth considering based on additional research or hands-on testing. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Durock's Medium Tactile switch and Outemu's Gold clicky switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a well-balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a clicky switch with a unique sound profile, the Outemu Gold switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns with your unique typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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