Outemu Gold vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and Durock White Lotus offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Gold switch is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch, praised for its light and delicate tactility that is perfect for extended typing sessions. While the Outemu Gold provides a audible feedback for each keystroke, the Durock White Lotus offers a more subtle and smooth typing experience. The Outemu Gold switch is ideal for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of each press, while the Durock White Lotus is best suited for those in search of a light tactile switch with remarkable RGB lighting effects. 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
1.80 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
The Outemu Gold and Durock White Lotus both boast unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gold's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, while also allowing for RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel that sets it apart from other switches. Both materials offer a clear and resonant sound, but the Gold leans towards a higher-pitched profile, while the White Lotus focuses on a unique and premium sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gold and the White Lotus utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a focus on rich and full-bodied sound. While the bottom housing may have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, showcasing the nuanced differences in their overall sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Gold and Durock White Lotus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Gold's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those who prefer a higher-pitched profile and enjoy RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel, catering to those seeking a more luxurious typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a deep and full sound thanks to their nylon bottom housing, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, one noticeable difference is in their bottom out force. The Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the White Lotus with a bottom out force of 56 grams. However, both switches have relatively similar actuation forces, with the Gold at 45 grams and the White Lotus at 46 grams. This means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the White Lotus, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may find the Outemu Gold more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Gold 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 with either switch, users will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm from top to bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect a similar tactile typing experience with both switches, as the travel distance plays a significant role in the overall feel of the key press. Despite any other differences between the two switches, their equal travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience across different keyboards using either the Outemu Gold clicky switch or the Durock White Lotus tactile switch.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its unique clicky sound that provides a tactile and audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The White Lotus switches offer a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making them suitable for a variety of environments without being too distracting. Both switches have their own distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch offers a tactile bump and audible click that provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the tactile feedback. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also provide a mild and subtle typing feel, suitable for a wide range of users looking for a responsive yet gentle typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different typing styles, so the decision between them would depend on personal preference and typing habits.
In conclusion, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Gold switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback with its unique clicky sound, the White Lotus switch offers a more gentle and easy-to-press typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a clicky sound profile, the Outemu Gold clicky switch would be a suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a lower bottom out force and a more subtle, easy-to-press feel, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch would be a better choice. Consider your typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you are looking for when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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