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Outemu Brown vs. Durock White Lotus

An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Outemu Brown and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note the key differences between the two. The Outemu Brown switch is a tactile switch that is best known for its balanced tactile feedback, while the Durock White Lotus switch stands out for its exquisite light tactile feel, designed specifically for typists seeking a delicate tactility. The Brown switch is categorized as, while the White Lotus switch falls under the categories of 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. If you are looking for a switch that offers a subtle tactile feel and balanced feedback, the Outemu Brown switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a delicate tactility that won't overwhelm you during extended typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus switch is worth considering. 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

53g

Actuation force

46g

Bottom-out force

65g

Bottom-out force

56g

Pre-travel

1.20 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

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

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Durock White Lotus, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the White Lotus uses a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. While both materials offer a clear and resonant sound profile, the polycarbonate may result in a brighter sound compared to the White Lotus's blend.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon for this component. Nylon is a classic housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound and feel of typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will be quite similar between the Outemu Brown and the Durock White Lotus, providing a consistent experience in terms of sound.

In terms of the overall impact on the typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the top and bottom housings of the two switches will affect different aspects of the sound and feel. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that while the materials used may differ between the two switches, the overall typing experience may not be drastically different in terms of sound and feel, allowing for a similar result in overall performance.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch reveals significant differences in weight. The Outemu Brown has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus is lighter in comparison, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the Outemu Brown requires a stronger push compared to the Durock White Lotus, which is lighter in weight. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired force levels.

Travel distance

The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide this same tactile feedback and actuation feeling, resulting in similar typing experiences regardless of which one you choose. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the Outemu Brown and Durock White Lotus switches offer equal performance and are suitable options for those looking for a key switch with a 4mm travel distance.

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 Brown 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 Outemu Brown tactile switch is described as unknown. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is known for having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the White Lotus switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. However, it's essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks specific descriptions. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These qualities indicate that the White Lotus switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This feature enhances typing comfort, reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, and maintains a light and low-impact typing feel. The mild and subtle characteristics of the White Lotus switches provide a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces.

Overall, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch stands out for its delicate tactility, balance, and exquisite design tailored for typists seeking a tranquil typing experience. The switches allow for vibrant RGB lighting effects and provide a captivating glow to your keyboard setup, making them not only functional but visually appealing as well. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Brown switches are unknown, based on the descriptions provided, it can be inferred that the Durock White Lotus switches offer a more refined and nuanced typing experience, with a focus on comfort and effortless typing. Users can expect a pleasant typing experience with the White Lotus switches, characterized by gentle resistance and a moderate sound profile suitable for various settings.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a more gentle and easy-to-press typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Durock White Lotus switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Additionally, if you appreciate vibrant RGB lighting effects and want to enhance your typing experience with an exquisite light tactile option, the White Lotus switches offer a tranquil and mesmerizing typing experience. Consider these factors when making your decision to ensure that you choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences and needs.

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