Outemu Lotus vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Lotus and the Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their distinct characteristics. The Lotus, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is also a linear switch but stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a unique typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Lotus is praised for its reliability, the Piano's characteristics make it a favorite among users seeking a bassy, frictionless, and silky typing experience. 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
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Lotus and the Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience by creating a more rounded and dull sound, the specific blend in the Piano's housing adds a touch of exclusivity to its sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Lotus and the Piano also differ in their materials. The Lotus uses a nylon bottom housing, mirroring the properties of its top housing to create a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. Conversely, the Piano employs a proprietary POM blend bottom housing that complements its top housing, resulting in a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. The qualities of the bottom housing contribute significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, adding to the overall typing experience.
While the Outemu Lotus and the Durock Piano may utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches aim to provide a superior typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The nylon housing in the Lotus creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM blend in the Piano offers a satisfying and exclusive sound profile. Despite the differences in materials, both switches focus on enhancing the typing experience by absorbing sound and creating a rounder, more pleasant typing sound. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and overall typing feel from these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences. The Outemu Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Durock Piano, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Lotus is 50 grams, whereas the Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Lotus a lighter option overall, perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. In contrast, the Piano offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, one may choose the Lotus for a light and smooth typing experience, while the Piano may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches play a crucial role in determining the typing experience each switch provides.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus switch provides a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers and those looking for a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a slightly deeper feeling due to its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Outemu Lotus 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 it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep and creamy sound signature, providing a pleasant auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switch offers a gliding push feel, making typing on them a smooth and effortless experience. The switch is described as frictionless and silky, providing a fluid travel that enhances the overall typing feel. The feel of the Outemu Lotus switch is unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in terms of feel.
Overall, while the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its pleasant sound and smooth feel, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch remain undetermined. However, based on the information available, it can be inferred that the Durock Piano switch offers a satisfying typing experience with its deep sound profile and frictionless, silky feel. If the qualities of the Outemu Lotus switch are similar to those of the Durock Piano switch, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on their personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light bottom out force and are more focused on switch performance, the Outemu Lotus linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, then the Durock Piano linear switch is the way to go. Consider your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force when deciding between the two switches, as they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lotus and Durock Piano switches will depend on what you value most in your typing experience.
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