Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Purple present two distinct options to consider. The Light Tactile from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a softer typing experience compared to other tactile switches on the market. With its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, this switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple by Outemu does not have any notable features listed. So, if you prefer a softer tactility with a unique sound experience, the Durock Light Tactile could be the way to go. 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
52g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Purple have some similarities as they both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Light Tactile and the Dustproof Purple differ in their bottom housings, with the Light Tactile using nylon while the Dustproof Purple also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile.
While both the Light Tactile and the Dustproof Purple share polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, whereas the Dustproof Purple's nylon bottom housing also offers similar qualities. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Purple play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, the nylon bottom housings of the Light Tactile and the Dustproof Purple offer a deeper and fuller sound experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium-heavy category. The Light Tactile has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Dustproof Purple's 55 grams. However, the Light Tactile requires a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Dustproof Purple has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a substantial push feel. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force might lean towards the Light Tactile, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force may prefer the Dustproof Purple. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of weight and typing experience, making them both suitable choices for different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is the same as the travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, both measuring at 4 mm. Therefore, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Durock Light Tactile or the Outemu Dustproof Purple, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of the tactile feedback and travel distance of the switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
The Outemu Dustproof Purple 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 Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and jelly-like sound signature, making typing on them a pleasant experience. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch’s sound qualities is not available. It is important to note 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 Light Tactile switch is known for its mild tactility, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. In addition, the switch is described as polished, providing smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. However, information on the feel of the Dustproof Purple switch is not provided.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, jelly-like sound signature, and polished feel. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch are unknown, it is essential to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure a satisfying typing experience. It is also recommended to test different switches to determine the most suitable option for individual needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch or the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a gentle and smooth typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback, then the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a satisfying sound profile, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch may be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and environment to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and needs.
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