Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf mechanical keyboard switches, the Blue Lotus stands out for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a marked tactile feel that appeals to those who enjoy a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating element to their performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned, making it somewhat of a mystery in terms of its tactile feedback and overall feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus features a unique and premium Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, whereas the Outemu Maple Leaf utilizes a classic nylon top housing material. The Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the Blue Lotus provides a distinct feel, while the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both housing materials offer their own advantages - the Blue Lotus with its premium feel and the Maple Leaf with its sound absorption properties.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf feature nylon material. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material for their bottom housing. Overall, the nylon bottom housing in both switches enhances the overall typing experience by providing a unique sound profile that is preferred by many enthusiasts.
The top and bottom housings of a switch play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard. In the case of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf, the top housing materials differ but the bottom housing material remains the same. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the choice of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that they are almost identical. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing them in the medium-heavy category. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force required for key presses with either switch. The similarity in weight between the two switches makes it easy for users to achieve similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance. Ultimately, whether a user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is 3.3 mm. This means that the Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. Both fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance for mechanical switches. If you are someone who prefers a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Maple Leaf might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and cushioning, the Blue Lotus would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how it affects your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The Outemu Maple Leaf 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 Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is known for its bassy sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, there is no available information on the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is praised for its accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feel. These switches provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, yet responsive and lively during typing. On the contrary, there is no specific information available on the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch. Therefore, it is unclear how it compares to the well-defined feel of the Blue Lotus switch.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch stands out for its unique blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and captivating visual appeal with RGB illumination. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remain unknown, it is possible that users may experience similar results in terms of sound and feel with both switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switches, consider your preference for tactile intensity and responsiveness. If you enjoy a prominent tactile feel with snappy responsiveness and striking RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom-out force without specific sound or feel preferences, the Outemu Maple Leaf switches could be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired keyboard experience.
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