Outemu Silent White vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent White, a linear switch, to the Durock White Lotus, a tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Silent White is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a popular choice for gamers and those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches offer a delicate tactility that is perfect for typists looking for a more engaging typing experience. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature removable light columns for customizable RGB lighting effects, adding a touch of flair to your keyboard setup. While both switches have their own unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. 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
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent White and the Durock White Lotus switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing that is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. However, the White Lotus takes it a step further with its modified PC & UPE blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel. While both switches provide a clear and resonant sound profile, the White Lotus may have a slight edge in terms of aesthetics and overall feel due to its special housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches feature a nylon material that is praised for producing a deep and full sound profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic gives both switches a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality. The consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures that users can expect similar performance in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Silent White and the Durock White Lotus switches mainly come down to the top housing material. While both switches offer a sharp and resonant sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, the White Lotus sets itself apart with its modified PC & UPE blend material, which adds a premium feel to the switch. On the other hand, the similarity in using nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users can enjoy a deep and full sound profile regardless of the switch they choose.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both fall into the medium weight category in terms of actuation force. The Silent White requires 45 grams of force to actuate, while the White Lotus requires 46 grams, making the White Lotus slightly heavier in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent White requires 60 grams, while the White Lotus requires 56 grams, making the Silent White heavier in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the White Lotus, as it requires slightly less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Outemu Silent White. Both switches offer a balanced typing experience, with the choice ultimately coming down to personal preference.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Silent White may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the White Lotus may provide a more satisfying and deliberate key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so you can expect different typing experiences when using them.
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 Silent White 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 Silent White switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a soothing typing experience without being too loud or disruptive. Both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, but the White Lotus may appeal more to those who prefer a deeper, bass-heavy tone in their typing.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent White switch boasts a smooth linear action that is effortless to press, offering a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, with a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The White Lotus switch also provides a mild and subtle typing feel, making it a suitable option for those looking for a light and responsive switch without sacrificing tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the White Lotus switch having a slightly lighter touch.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent White and Durock White Lotus switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The Silent White switch excels in its quiet operation and smooth linear action, while the White Lotus switch impresses with its delicate tactility and ease of pressing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired by the user. Whether you opt for the Silent White or White Lotus switch, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience that meets your typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent White linear switch or the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a light tactile typing experience with vibrant RGB lighting effects and a delicate balance of tactility, the White Lotus switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a silent operation, the Silent White switches may be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to assess what matters most to you when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your setup. Ultimately, whether you choose the Silent White or the White Lotus, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to meet your individual requirements.
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