TTC Gold Pink vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink and the Outemu Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. The TTC Gold Pink is praised for its incredibly light 37g actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fast and effortless typing experience, especially for rapid typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus has not gained as much recognition but still provides a linear typing experience. The Gold Pink switches offer a satisfying clacky sound and are described as 'buttery', 'mild', 'feathery', 'subtle', and 'polished'. In contrast, the Lotus switch lacks specific standout features. 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
37g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Outemu Lotus, one significant difference lies in the top housing material. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. In contrast, the Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. While the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Lotus's nylon top housing focuses on creating a rounder and duller sound profile.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is their nylon bottom housing material. Both the Gold Pink and the Lotus incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, hence creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite having different top housings, the similar use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent depth and richness in sound when typing.
Overall, the different housing materials in the Gold Pink and the Lotus lead to distinct sound profiles. While the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound, the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a consistent depth and richness in sound, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience. Whether it is the stiffer polycarbonate of the Gold Pink or the softer nylon of the Lotus, both switches provide unique sound characteristics based on their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch both fall on the lighter side of the spectrum. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Lotus may provide a bit more resistance and tactile feedback compared to the Gold Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. The Gold Pink has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying and traditional key press feel compared to the Lotus. The Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a quicker response time that gamers often prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference - for those who prefer a deeper key press, the Gold Pink may be the better option, while those seeking a quicker response may opt for the Lotus. Nonetheless, both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, with the difference in travel distance providing distinct tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
The Outemu Lotus 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the Gold Pink is known for its clacky sound, providing a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the sound description of the Lotus is currently unknown, which may make it challenging to determine whether it offers a similar or different auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Pink is characterized by descriptors such as "buttery," "mild," "feathery," "subtle," and "polished," highlighting its light and smooth typing experience ideal for rapid typing or gaming. In contrast, the feel description of the Lotus is not available at this time. This lack of information makes it difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of typing feel. However, if the Lotus switch shares similar characteristics with the Gold Pink in terms of actuation force and design, users may expect a comparable typing experience.
Taking all available information into consideration, it is evident that the TTC Gold Pink linear switch stands out for its lightweight actuation force, clacky sound, and smooth typing experience. While specific details about the Outemu Lotus linear switch are unknown, newcomers can still expect a satisfying typing experience if it aligns with the features of the Gold Pink switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing performance. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a light and effortless typing experience with a fast actuation force, the Gold Pink switch with its 37g actuation force will be a great choice for you. The Gold Pink switches are designed for rapid typing and gaming, providing a satisfying feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Lotus with its 50g force may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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