TTC Gold Silver vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Lotus offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystroke travel, culminating in a satisfying bottom-out that provides a tangible sense of closure with each press. This switch is characterized by its polished, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, creating a harmonious blend of speed and auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus, while lacking specific standout features, is designed to offer a dependable linear feel that many users appreciate for everyday typing and gaming. While the TTC Gold Silver excels in providing a precise and engaging typing experience, the Outemu Lotus caters to those who may prioritize simplicity and reliability. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Lotus, one prominent distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Gold Silver utilizes polycarbonate, a material recognized for its stiffness and translucency. This choice results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus features a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. This leads to a deeper and rounder sound profile, making the typing experience feel more muted and subdued. Despite these differences, both materials serve the purpose of shaping the acoustic characteristics of the switches; however, the Gold Silver leans towards clarity while the Lotus prioritizes warmth.
The bottom housings of both switches, on the other hand, are made of nylon, which creates a noteworthy similarity between the two. The nylon material, known for its sound-absorption properties, contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile in both switches, particularly noticeable during key presses. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Gold Silver and Lotus deliver a similar tactile experience due to their shared nylon composition. Therefore, even though the top housings differ significantly in material choice, the bottom housings being the same allows users to enjoy a comparable tactile feedback and acoustic response.
In summary, the TTC Gold Silver and Outemu Lotus showcase a contrast in top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—impacting their sound profiles during use. Nonetheless, their identical nylon bottom housings create a unified tactile experience, ensuring that while one switch might deliver sharper acoustics when the key is released, both will provide a rounded auditory experience during activation. This combination of differing top materials and consistent bottom materials allows for a diverse yet familiar typing experience for users who appreciate sound nuances in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Gold Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Lotus is lighter, requiring just 35 grams to actuate. This makes the Lotus a more suitable option for users who prefer a switch that allows for prolonged typing with less fatigue. However, while the actuation force of the Lotus is well-defined, its bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams, showing that it provides a more substantial feel at the bottom of the keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver does not have a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to compare directly in that regard. Overall, the Outemu Lotus is lighter with its lower actuation force and has a defined bottom out force, providing a different tactile experience compared to the TTC Gold Silver, whose characteristics remain partially undefined. For those who prefer a heavier switch for a more solid typing experience, the Gold Silver might be the better choice, while the Lotus caters to those looking for a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lotus features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the TTC Gold Silver switch provides a more pronounced key travel experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, is designed for quicker response times, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking fast actions without the delay of longer key presses. Ultimately, if you desire a more responsive feel, the Lotus is the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a heftier depth in their key presses might lean towards the Gold Silver.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Lotus linear switches, the Gold Silver stands out with its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound characteristics. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying tone that enhances the typing experience, emulating a soft "knock" when pressed and released. This acoustics lend a sense of authority and completeness to each keystroke, making them particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the sound of the Outemu Lotus switches; thus, it’s challenging to comment definitively on their acoustic qualities. As a result, users may find themselves in varying sonic experiences depending on their choice of switch.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver is noted for its polished and silky smoothness, offering a refined typing experience with minimal friction. The combination of these qualities produces a seamless keypress, enhancing the overall comfort of typing sessions. With a mild and subtle resistance, the Gold Silver aims to cater to a broad user base, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. The lack of specific descriptions regarding the feel of the Outemu Lotus switches unfortunately leaves a gap in comparison, leaving prospective users without a clear understanding of the tactile experience they may provide.
In summary, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch delivers an exceptional and well-rounded experience in both sound and feel, characterized by its thocky sound profile and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus linear switch lacks detailed information about its sonic and tactile qualities, which could leave potential users uncertain. Ultimately, if you prioritize a rewarding auditory and tactile experience, the Gold Silver is a clear choice; however, further exploration may be needed to determine the Lotus’s attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you're looking for a switch that provides a highly responsive, smooth, and satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound profile—one that delivers quick actuation and rich auditory feedback—the TTC Gold Silver should be your go-to option. It's particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming or high-intensity typing scenarios where speed and precision are paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more subdued typing experience, the Outemu Lotus, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, might be more aligned with your needs. Since the Lotus doesn't have an emphasized sound profile and is designed for smoother, more gentle keystrokes, it could be ideal for quieter environments like offices or shared spaces. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize speed and sound or if you lean towards softer, user-friendly keystrokes for your everyday tasks.
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