Outemu Ocean vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Ocean and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer a tactile typing experience. The Ocean switch is known for its smooth feel, while the White Lotus switch is praised for its exquisite light tactility designed for discerning typists. The Ocean switch falls under the category of linear switches, while the White Lotus switch is categorized as easy-to-press, low-pitched, mild, neutral, and subtle. Each switch has its strengths - the Ocean for its unique characteristics and the White Lotus for its delicate tactility and vibrant 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the Durock White Lotus, it is clear that they both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. Both switches offer a premium feel with their polycarbonate top housing, providing a unique aesthetic appeal.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that contrasts with the sharpness of the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the White Lotus also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, showcasing the classic switch housing material and emphasizing the deep and full sound profile that nylon brings to the switch.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Outemu Ocean and the Durock White Lotus offer a balanced combination of materials to create a unique typing experience. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches deliver a premium typing experience that caters to different sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the White Lotus is the lighter option with an actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Ocean's 55 grams. Additionally, the White Lotus has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the bottom out force of the Ocean is unknown. The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while bottom out force measures the pressure required to fully press a key. Considering weight is significant as a lighter switch enables longer typing or gaming sessions, suitable for work or extended use. In contrast, a heavier force provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Ocean and White Lotus switches offer different weight profiles, catering to users with varying preferences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Ocean tactile 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 you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This makes both switches suitable for individuals who prefer a standard travel distance for their typing or gaming experience. Whether you choose the Outemu Ocean or the Durock White Lotus, you can expect similar results in terms of the switch's 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 Ocean 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 White Lotus tactile switch is described as low-pitched and neutral, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not provided, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the White Lotus tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, providing a gentle resistance that allows for effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This switch offers a low-impact and responsive typing experience, catering to a wide range of users due to its approachable qualities. In contrast, the specific feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not described, making it challenging to contrast the two switches in this regard.
Overall, the White Lotus tactile switch is highlighted for its delicate tactility, light column design, and RGB lighting effects, offering a tranquil typing experience with mesmerizing illumination. While information about the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is limited in terms of sound and feel, both switches are tailored towards enhancing the typing experience with their unique characteristics. Due to the subjective nature of preferences in sound and feel, it is recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for a unique option, the Outemu Ocean switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a delicately tactile switch with RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer different attributes that cater to specific typing preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and aesthetic preferences.
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