Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Lime offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is a linear switch known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, minimizing housing and stem wobble for a satisfying typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes the right balance between substantial and effortless, these switches are sure to please enthusiasts who prefer a buttery keystroke. Furthermore, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting, adding a touch of customization. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches stand out with their lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silenced operation. These switches are a dream for tactile fans who crave a feathery light typing experience with a subtle touch of tactility. With a muted and polished feel, they offer a unique typing experience that is perfect for those who value a quieter keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Lime switches have different housing materials for both the top and bottom parts. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Lime uses a nylon top housing. Although both materials provide a unique and premium feel, they have distinct characteristics. The modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus offers a smooth and sturdy surface, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Lime contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Black Lotus utilizes a nylon material, similar to the Lime. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, providing a more immersive typing experience. Similarly, the Lime's nylon bottom housing contributes to the same characteristics. However, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more influenced by the material of the bottom housing. Therefore, while they share similarities in sound profile, each switch will have its own unique touch and feel due to the different materials used in their bottom housings.
When it comes to the overall sound profile of these switches, the housing materials play a crucial role. The Black Lotus with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a combination of a unique feel and a deeper, fuller sound. On the other hand, the Lime's switch with nylon top and bottom housing emphasizes the sound absorption qualities of nylon, resulting in a more rounded and duller sound. Although they have different materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials will be felt differently when pressing down or letting go of a key. Nevertheless, both switches offer a premium and satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that they provide different typing experiences due to their varying levels of force required. The Black Lotus has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams, meaning it requires a decent amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Lime offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, allowing for a quicker and more effortless keystroke activation.
In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus outweighs the Lime with a force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Lime has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, which may be more suitable for individuals who desire a more effortless and less fatiguing typing experience.
Weight is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly impact one's typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch, such as the Lime, may appreciate the ability to type for longer periods without experiencing as much fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals looking to use their keyboard for extended work sessions or prolonged gaming marathons. Conversely, individuals seeking a more tactile and pronounced typing experience may favor the Black Lotus, as its heavier forces provide a sense of solidity and precision.
In conclusion, while the Durock Black Lotus and Outemu Lime switches differ in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force, both options offer unique typing experiences catered to individual preferences. Whether one desires a lighter and effortless keystroke activation like the Lime or a more substantial and tactile typing experience like the Black Lotus, these switches provide distinct benefits to enhance one's typing efficiency and enjoyment.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional length, while the Lime has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Black Lotus switch will provide a deeper and more pronounced press compared to the Lime switch. However, it's important to note that both options offer a satisfactory travel distance for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Lime switch a potential favorite among this group. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial key feel might lean towards the Black Lotus switch with its longer travel distance. Regardless of the choice made, both switches will yield similar results in terms of overall key press and functionality.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black 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 Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor provided. However, it can be assumed that it produces a moderate sound profile since it is not labeled as particularly loud or quiet. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch is described as having a muted sound, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. Overall, both switches offer a relatively pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, but the Lime switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Black Lotus switch offers an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It also provides a gentle and approachable typing feel, making it comfortable for most users. Similarly, the Outemu Lime switch is also described as mild and polished, suggesting a smooth and refined finish. It offers a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with their smooth and polished characteristics.
Based on the available information, the Durock Black Lotus switch and the Outemu Lime switch share some similarities in terms of feel. They both offer a gentle and approachable typing experience with smooth and polished finishes. However, the Black Lotus switch has more specific descriptors, indicating an exceptional smoothness and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Lime switch is described as feathery and subtle, suggesting an exceptionally light typing experience with a gentle resistance. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, albeit with slightly different qualities.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus switch is known for its silky smooth feel, unparalleled precision, and reduced wobble. It provides a comfortable typing experience with a moderate actuation weight. The Lime switch, on the other hand, is lightweight and offers a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. It is also silenced, making it a suitable option for those who prefer quieter switches. Both switches have their own unique qualities, and the ultimate choice will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel. However, it is worth noting that the Black Lotus switch and the Lime switch both have a polished finish, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing feel, with the main difference being the level of tactility and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium-heavy switch with a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is the way to go. It offers a substantial 55g actuation weight and reduces housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with a touch of tactility and silent operation, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is an excellent choice. These switches are incredibly unique, offering a feathery light typing experience and approachable tactility. They are also silenced to minimize noise. Both switches have their own distinct sound profiles and feel characteristics, so you can choose based on your preferences. Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you prioritize a heavier, smooth linear switch or a lighter, tactile switch with a touch of silence.
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