Outemu Milk Blue vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is important to consider the key differences in their design and performance. The Milk Blue is known for its distinct clicking sound and tactile feedback, perfect for users who enjoy the audible confirmation of keystrokes. On the other hand, the White Lotus is renowned for its light and delicate tactility, providing a subtle yet satisfying typing experience without the loud noise associated with clicky switches. While the Milk Blue offers a more pronounced tactile response, the White Lotus is favored for its easy-to-press keys and low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but further exploration is necessary to determine which switch best suits your typing style and needs. 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
Both the Outemu Milk Blue and Durock White Lotus switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housing creates a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus provides a unique and premium feel to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Milk Blue and White Lotus switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches, making them both excellent choices for those seeking a satisfying typing experience.
While both switches share nylon bottom housings, the difference lies in the top housing material. The impact of the top housing material is more noticeable when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This split in qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Blue emphasizing a crisper sound profile, while the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus adds to its premium feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance of sound characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Milk Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the White Lotus's 46 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Milk Blue's force is unknown while the White Lotus has a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that the White Lotus offers a lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force, providing a unique typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the White Lotus, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Outemu Milk Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel. The travel distance of a switch is crucial for determining the typing experience and feel of a keyboard. In this case, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a reliable and uniform typing experience. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel, making both switches a good choice for those who prefer a 4 mm 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 Milk 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for providing a crisp and satisfying click with each keystroke, adding an audible element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone that is pleasant to the ears. Both switches have their unique sound qualities, with the Milk Blue being more pronounced and clicky, while the White Lotus provides a softer and more subtle auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switch offers a tactile bump and audible click, providing a tactile and auditory confirmation of each key press. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The White Lotus also offers a mild and subtle typing experience, catering to those who prefer a softer feel without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches provide a tactile feedback, with the Milk Blue being more pronounced and the White Lotus being smoother and easy on the fingers.
Overall, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Blue provides a satisfying clicky sound and tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a softer and more subtle sound profile, coupled with an easy-to-press and gentle typing feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, both switches can provide a rewarding typing experience, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a switch with a delicate tactility that is ideal for long typing sessions and offers mesmerizing RGB illumination, then the Durock White Lotus switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with no bottom out force and different sound and feel characteristics, the Outemu Milk Blue switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best keyboard experience for your needs.