Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent White mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is praised for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, typing on these switches is a pleasure. The 55g actuation weight adds a substantial feel without being too heavy, and the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is also a linear switch, but lacks any standout features in terms of its feel or performance. However, the Silent White may appeal to those looking for a simpler, straightforward switch without any frills. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Silent White both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their individual sound profiles. The Black Lotus utilizes a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a premium and unique feel when typing. In contrast, the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both switches feature top housings made of different materials, they both offer a distinct typing experience based on the properties of the materials used.
On the other hand, both the Black Lotus and the Silent White switches have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This similarity in bottom housing material gives both switches a similar feel and sound when bottoming out keys. Despite having different top housings, the nylon bottom housing of these switches creates a cohesive typing experience that is noticeable to the user.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent White plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switch. While the Black Lotus features a combination of Modified PC & UPE Blend and nylon housings, the Silent White utilizes polycarbonate and nylon housings. These differences in housing materials result in unique typing experiences for each switch, with the sound profile varying based on the properties of the materials used. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Silent White linear switch with 45 grams, making the Black Lotus heavier. However, both switches have relatively similar bottom out forces, with the Black Lotus at 63.5 grams and the Silent White at 60 grams. The Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent White offers a lighter actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions and extended gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent White. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper keystroke feel, while a 3.3mm travel distance is shallower and might appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for either a longer, more traditional keystroke or a shorter, more responsive one. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so users may test both to determine which suits their needs best.
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 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 Black Lotus switch is known for being relatively quiet compared to other linear switches, emitting a soft and muted sound with minimal key wobble. On the other hand, the Silent White switch provides a nearly silent typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise is a concern. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's case material and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is praised for its silky smooth keystrokes, offering a refined and effortless typing experience. The switch minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a fluid and consistent feel with each keystroke. Conversely, the feel of the Silent White switch is not as well-documented, but it is likely to offer a similar smooth typing experience due to its silent design. Both switches are designed to provide a comfortable typing experience without sacrificing performance.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus and Outemu Silent White switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and precise typing experience with its 55g actuation weight and light column feature, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Silent White switch stands out for its silent operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that meets your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Black Lotus with 63.5 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Silent White with 60 grams may suit your typing style more. Additionally, if you value a silky smooth typing experience with reduced wobble and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for bottom out force and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
