HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Blue offer distinctly different experiences tailored to varied typing preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), recognized for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, provides a smooth and responsive linear feel, making it ideal for gamers who value rapid key presses and a quieter experience. Its bright, resonant sound adds a delightful auditory element to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue is characterized by its tactile bump and distinct clicky sound, which not only provides satisfying auditory feedback but also assists typists with tactile confirmation of actuation—making it a popular choice among writers who enjoy feeling each key press. While both switches have their unique advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the intended use—whether you lean toward a bouncy linear feel or a satisfying clicky response. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Blue switches, one notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deep and full sound profile. The relatively soft nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a more muted auditory experience with a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Outemu Blue's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only affects sound but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly for setups utilizing RGB lighting. Hence, while both switches have unique sound characteristics owing to their top housing materials, they create distinctly different auditory experiences, impacting how each switch feels and sounds when typing.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Blue utilize nylon, which introduces a level of similarity in their performance. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a consistent experience regardless of the differences in the top housings. This commonality in material means that the bottoming-out feel and sound when a switch is fully depressed will be comparable between the two. Thus, even though the top housings differ, the nylon bottom housing ensures that typists can expect a similar tactile response and bottom-out sound signature from both switches, thereby creating an overall consistency in feel when typing.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Blue highlight the intricate relationship between housing materials and sound profiles in mechanical switches. The nylon top housing of the Lotus brings a warmth and depth to the typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Blue offers a brighter and clearer sound. However, both switches benefit from nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring that there are commonalities in their typing feel and acoustics yet remaining distinct in their overall sound experience. This blend of materials serves to capture diverse preferences among typists, catering to those seeking a fulsome auditory depth with the Lotus (Heavy) and those who prefer a sharper, more resonant tone with the Outemu Blue.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is significantly heavier than the Outemu Blue's actuation force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Lotus switch provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer push. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Lotus is 62.5 grams, adding to its heavier feel, while the Outemu Blue’s bottom out force is unknown. As a result, users seeking a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Outemu Blue, while those who favor a heavier and more tactile response will likely prefer the Lotus (Heavy). Ultimately, the actuation forces suggest that the Lotus switch is better suited for those who enjoy a stronger typing experience, whereas the Outemu Blue might be more comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the two are distinct in their specifications. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Blue features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. As a result, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Blue can provide a more satisfying and robust tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Therefore, if one favors a quicker and more immediate feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience might opt for the Outemu Blue.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) for $2.99.
The Outemu Blue 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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by its bright and resonant sound. This auditory quality contributes to a satisfying aural feedback that can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its clicky sound, providing a distinct and pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. The click sound is not only satisfying to many users but also helps with typing accuracy, allowing you to hear when a key has been actuated. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound produced by either switch will be influenced by the choice of keyboard chassis and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation with each press. This level of resistance allows for a comfortable typing experience, giving users a sense of control as they engage each key. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue switch is often described as tactile and responsive but lacks the same weight and bounce that the Lotus provides. The clicky feedback creates a different typing experience that some may find less smooth than a linear switch. As such, each switch caters to distinct preferences: the Lotus for those seeking a heavy, bouncy feel and the Blue for users who appreciate a tactile and clicky feedback.
Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Blue switches present two unique typing experiences, each with distinct auditory and tactile qualities. The Lotus shines with its bright sound and bouncy feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a smooth linear switch. The Blue, with its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, appeals to users who enjoy auditory confirmation with every keypress. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for typing sound and feel, with both switches offering compelling advantages in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a tactile and auditory feedback while you type, the Outemu Blue switch would be the right fit for you, as it is renowned for its distinct clicky sound and tactile bump that can enhance your typing experience, making it especially enjoyable for casual typing and gaming where confirmation of keystrokes is satisfying. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter operation without the distraction of clicking noises, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch might be your ideal match. With a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, it provides a pleasantly bouncy feel, allowing for fast-paced typing without fatigue, making it excellent for extensive gaming or programming tasks where speed and subtlety are prioritized. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not just the sound or force required for keystrokes, but also how these attributes align with your workflow and environment.
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