TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch with the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it's important to note their individual characteristics. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility and ease of press, offering a seamless typing experience suitable for various user preferences. Its neutral sound signature makes it adaptable to any auditory environment, whether for gaming, office work, or leisurely typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lotus switch lacks specific standout features but may still have its own unique qualities to offer. 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
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Outemu Lotus switches provide interesting points of comparison. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Lotus's nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. While polycarbonate is stiffer and more resonant, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound. The choice between these materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gold Red Pro and the Outemu Lotus switches utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches using the same material for their bottom housing, slight differences may still be noticed in the typing experience due to other factors such as switch design and stem material. Overall, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing highlights its benefits in enhancing the sound profile of mechanical keyboards.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Gold Red Pro or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Lotus, both switches offer unique typing experiences that are influenced by their housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, we see that the Gold Red Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Lotus's 35 grams. This means that the Gold Red Pro requires a bit more force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus is lighter with 50 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's unknown force. The Gold Red Pro lacks information on bottom out force, which makes it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of heaviness. When considering weight preferences, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Lotus for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience, in which case, they may lean towards the Gold Red Pro for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces from both switches, assuming the Gold Red Pro has a comparable bottom out force to the Lotus, making them suitable options for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the Outemu Lotus linear switches have different travel distances. The Gold Red Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Red Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the longer travel distance of the Gold Red Pro might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress responsiveness. Overall, the differences in travel distance between the two switches offer users the option to choose based on their individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a neutral profile, providing a deep, rich tone without being too loud or intrusive. This makes it a versatile option suitable for various environments. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is often described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal friction. This makes it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. As for the Outemu Lotus linear switch, there is no available information on its tactile feel, making it challenging to make a direct comparison. Nevertheless, based on the qualities of the Gold Red Pro switch, it's possible that the Lotus switch may also offer a similarly pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch stands out for its versatile sound profile and comfortable typing feel, making it a great option for a wide range of users and purposes. While information on the Outemu Lotus linear switch is limited, it's likely that both switches can provide comparable results in terms of sound and feel based on the positive qualities associated with the Gold Red Pro. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it's essential to consider personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing setup to determine the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize versatility, adaptability, and a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the better choice for you. Its smooth and polished feel, along with its seamless typing experience, make it a great option for various settings and applications. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and are looking for a switch with specific sound and feel characteristics, the Lotus may be the switch for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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