Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Purple each offer unique characteristics to consider. The Durock Medium Tactile is well-regarded for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with its jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch doesn't have a specific standout feature but is still a solid choice for those looking for a tactile experience. The Durock switch is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, while the Outemu Purple is not categorized. Each switch has its own appeal based on these general pointers; 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
2.00 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
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Purple switches feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches have clear housings, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, the specific design of the housing may vary between the two switches, potentially leading to subtle differences in sound and feel.
While both switches have nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, they may differ in the specific qualities each brings to the switch. Nylon is known for its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This material is crucial in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Purple switches both play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While they share similarities in terms of using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the nuances in design and construction may result in subtle differences in typing experience. Both switches are designed to provide a satisfying tactile feedback and sound profile, making them popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a high-quality typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Purple tactile switches, it is evident that they have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Medium Tactile switch has an actuation force of None grams, while the Outemu Purple switch has an actuation force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple switch is unknown. This makes the Durock Medium Tactile switch heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Outemu Purple switch. The actuation force of the Outemu Purple switch is lighter than the Durock Medium Tactile switch, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences, with the Durock Medium Tactile providing a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Outemu Purple offers a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Purple tactile switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar key press experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a comfortable key press with a noticeable tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether you choose the Durock Medium Tactile or the Outemu Purple, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing feel.
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 Purple 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 considering the sound qualities of the Durock Medium Tactile vs. the Outemu Purple switches, there are notable differences. The Medium Tactile is known for its jelly-like sound signature, which adds a unique and pleasant auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Purple switches are not specified, so it is difficult to compare. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Medium Tactile is described as having an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. This means that it offers a balance of tactility without being overwhelming, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Purple switches is not specified, making it challenging to directly compare the tactile feedback and typing experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its balanced tactility, jelly-like sound signature, and smooth typing experience due to its accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Purple switches are not provided, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches. Both switches may offer similar results depending on individual preferences and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Purple tactile switches, you should choose the Durock Medium Tactile if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, pronounced yet balanced tactility, and a jelly-like sound signature. This switch is best known for its accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel profiles. On the other hand, you should opt for the Outemu Purple if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force, as it is unavailable. The Outemu Purple's specific characteristics in terms of sound and feel are not provided, making it a less predictable choice compared to the Durock Medium Tactile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and overall typing experience.
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