Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Ink Yellow is favored for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It is also praised for its smoothness and pleasant clackiness, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more refined feel. On the other hand, the Lotus does not have any standout features mentioned but falls into a neutral category. While the Ink Yellow is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Lotus lacks any specific defining characteristics. 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
60g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Lotus, one key difference is in their top housings. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the higher-pitched sound of the Ink Yellow.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches have unique qualities that affect the overall sound and feel of typing. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the pointed and higher-pitched sound profile of the switch. In contrast, the Lotus's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a deeper sound profile, providing a different typing experience. These differences in bottom housing material play a significant role in the overall feel and sound of the switches during use.
Overall, the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Lotus play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings create a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Lotus's nylon top and bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the material characteristics of their housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, one key difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Outemu Lotus for extended typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Gateron Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Lotus's 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, the slight difference between the two may be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lotus, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may favor the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer a similar experience with minor variations in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is known for its neutral and clacky characteristics. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. The clacky sound it produces is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard it is used in and the keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience without extreme characteristics, making it approachable to most users. The polished finish of the switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are not available.
When considering all available information, it can be concluded that the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a pleasant typing experience with its smoothness, clackiness, mild feel, and polished finish. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch remain unknown, it is likely that users can achieve similar results with both switches in terms of sound and feel by considering other factors such as keyboard configuration and keycap choices. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on their personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a shorter travel for a smooth and clacky typing experience similar to a laptop keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch with no specific characteristics highlighted, the Outemu Lotus might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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