Outemu Blue vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its satisfying clicky sound, providing auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a light tactile experience, giving typists a subtle bump when pressing a key without the loud click. While the Blue switch may be preferred for its clicky feedback and tactile feel, the White Lotus switch is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience with a gentle tactile response. 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
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and Durock White Lotus both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound when typing. However, the Durock White Lotus stands out with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Outemu Blue's polycarbonate housing. Both options are great for those who enjoy RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for showcasing colorful lighting effects.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Blue and Durock White Lotus feature nylon housings. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing material, known for producing a deep and full sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. In this aspect, both switches offer a similar typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a deeper sound profile that enhances the overall feel of typing on mechanical keyboards.
With the top and bottom housings playing a crucial role in the sound profile and feel of a switch, the Outemu Blue and Durock White Lotus showcase the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when pressing down a key, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. As a result, users can choose between the sharper, crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Outemu Blue or the unique feel of the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing in the Durock White Lotus, both complemented by the classic nylon bottom housing for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are noticeable differences. The Blue switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the White Lotus switch, which has an actuation force of 46 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the White Lotus switch has a bottom out force of 56 grams while it is unknown for the Blue switch. This means that the White Lotus switch requires a slightly lighter force to trigger a keystroke but a heavier force to bottom out compared to the Blue switch. In general, the Blue switch would provide a slightly heavier typing experience, while the White Lotus switch would offer a lighter actuation but a more substantial bottoming out feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm from top to bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of the typing experience and feedback provided by these switches. Overall, whether you choose the Outemu Blue clicky switch or the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you can expect a satisfying key press with a travel distance of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
The Outemu Blue clicky switch is best known for its satisfying audible click with each key press, providing a tactile and audible typing experience that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a more subtle and gentle typing experience without the loud click of the Blue switch. The White Lotus switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which is more mellow and bass-heavy, creating a soothing typing atmosphere. In terms of feel, the Blue switch provides a more pronounced tactile bump and resistance compared to the easy-to-press and mild feel of the White Lotus switch. The White Lotus switch is designed to be gentle on the fingers, requiring minimal force to actuate and reducing fatigue during long typing sessions.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch that provides a loud and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Blue switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Durock White Lotus switch would be a better option. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, but the choice between them will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a more pronounced clicky sound and do not mind a higher actuation force, the Outemu Blue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile feel with a gentle touch and a more subtle sound profile, the Durock White Lotus switch would be a better option. Ultimately, the White Lotus switches offer a tranquil typing experience with vibrant RGB lighting effects, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Make your decision based on your personal preferences and typing habits to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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