United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Outemu Dustproof Red vs. Durock White Lotus

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

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Dustproof Red is a linear switch that is best known for its durability and resistance to dust particles, making it a reliable option for long-term use. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch that boasts a delicate tactility perfect for typing enthusiasts who enjoy a light tactile feedback. Additionally, the White Lotus offers vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a touch of flair to your keyboard setup. While the Dustproof Red may be preferred for its durability, the White Lotus shines with its tactile feedback and captivating illumination. 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

45g

Actuation force

46g

Bottom-out force

60g

Bottom-out force

56g

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

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

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Durock White Lotus, we can see that they both feature similar polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a clear and resonant sound profile, with a sharper and crisper sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. While both switches share this feature, the White Lotus stands out with its modified PC & UPE blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel not found in the Dustproof Red.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Dustproof Red and the White Lotus utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, contributing to the overall typing experience. Despite their similar choice of nylon for the bottom housing, the Dustproof Red and White Lotus offer unique typing experiences due to differences in their top housing materials.

Overall, while the Dustproof Red and the White Lotus have some similarities in their housing materials, such as the use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, they also differ in their unique blends and designs. Each switch offers a distinct sound profile and typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials. Whether you prefer the sharpness and clarity of the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing or the premium feel of the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend top housing, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall performance and sound quality of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of weight. The Dustproof Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the White Lotus' 46 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dustproof Red is heavier at 60 grams compared to the White Lotus' 56 grams. This means that the Dustproof Red provides a slightly lighter typing feel during actuation but requires a bit more force to fully press the keys compared to the White Lotus. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, offering a balanced typing experience for users who prefer a moderate typing force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users can expect a consistent and familiar experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Due to their identical travel distances, both switches provide a similar typing sensation and actuation point, making them suitable choices for users who prioritize key travel consistency. In this case, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in similar results regardless of which option is chosen.

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 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 Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is not specifically known for any particular sound characteristics, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched nature of the White Lotus switches provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be appealing for those looking for a quieter typing experience. The neutral sound profile also ensures that the switch is suitable for most scenarios, whether typing at home or in a professional setting, making it a versatile option.

When it comes to feel, the Dustproof Red linear switch does not have a specific feel descriptor, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. The easy-to-press nature of the White Lotus switches means that they offer minimal resistance during key presses, reducing finger fatigue and making typing effortless and comfortable. The mild and subtle characteristics of the switches provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, creating a low-impact and responsive feel that enhances the overall typing experience.

Overall, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a delicate tactility that strikes a balance between a light tactile feel and a low-pitched sound profile. The switches are designed to provide a tranquil typing experience that is suitable for extended typing sessions, while the RGB lighting effects add a captivating visual element to your keyboard setup. In comparison, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch may provide a different typing experience due to its lack of specific sound and feel descriptors, but it is important to consider how these qualities interact with other factors such as keyboard type and keycaps to determine the best switch for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that appeal to different users, so it is essential to consider your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience when choosing between the two.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a slightly lighter bottom out force and a delicate tactile typing experience with vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile for versatile use, the Dustproof Red switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so take into account what matters most to you when selecting the switch for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article