HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), known for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, boasts a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy tactile feedback that transforms every keystroke into an enjoyable experience. This linear switch excels in providing a smooth typing experience without any tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer fluidity and speed. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keypress, giving typists a clear indication of activation without being overly noisy. This makes the Brown switch a preferred option for individuals who appreciate a more conventional typing experience, balancing efficiency with feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs: the HMX Lotus (Heavy) for those seeking a smooth and responsive feel, and the Outemu Brown for those wanting tactile reassurance. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Outemu Brown switches, a clear distinction arises in their construction. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and provide a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This characteristic stems from nylon’s softer nature, which tends to dull sharper sounds and create a more rounded profile. In contrast, the Outemu Brown's use of polycarbonate in its top housing results in a markedly different sound signature, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper output. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound profile, making it a popular choice for gaming enthusiasts who often seek clear actuation feedback.
Conversely, when we shift to the bottom housing, both the Lotus (Heavy) and Brown switches utilize nylon, bridging a connection between the two despite their differing top materials. This nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to the deeper sound profile for both switches, as it absorbs sound effectively and enhances the sensation of the key bottoming out. As a result, despite the differences in the top housings, users will experience a comparable acoustic and tactile sensation from the bottom of both switch designs. This commonality ensures that the overall typing experience retains some of the pleasant characteristics associated with nylon.
Ultimately, the impact of different housing materials further illustrates the delicate balance of sound and feel in keyboard switches. The Lotus (Heavy), with its nylon top, delivers a mellow auditory experience that caters to those preferring a more subdued sound when typing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Brown, with its polycarbonate top, appeals to users seeking a distinct and pronounced auditory feedback. Although they diverge in material selection for the top housing, the shared nylon bottom housing establishes a level of consistency in tactile response and bottoming-out characteristics, leading to a unique yet somewhat familiar experience across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, some differences emerge. The Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Brown switch features a slightly lighter actuation force at 53 grams but a heftier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Lotus (Heavy) provides a marginally firmer response during the actuation phase, making it feel slightly more substantial during typing. Conversely, while the Brown switch is lighter to actuate, it requires more force overall to fully depress, resulting in a heavier feel when bottoming out. For those who prefer a more robust typing experience, the Brown's increased bottom out force might be more appealing, whereas the Lotus (Heavy) offers a slightly lighter experience during actuation, catering to users who might appreciate longer typing sessions with less effort. Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, while the Outemu Brown proves to be the heavier option when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Brown switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Brown switch offers a more traditional feel and handles more depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced switch actuation. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) caters to gamers looking for quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches aligns with personal preferences; those valuing responsiveness may opt for the shorter Lotus (Heavy), while users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might favor the longer Outemu Brown switch.
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 Brown 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
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that stands out during use. This sound quality can enhance the overall typing experience, as each keypress generates an audible feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch has an unknown sound characteristic. It’s important to note that the sound produced by mechanical switches can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard's build quality, the type of keycaps used, and even the surface on which the keyboard rests.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a super bouncy sensation with its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, which translates to a delightful keystroke experience. Users who prefer a more dynamic and engaging typing feel will likely find this appealing, as the switch responds well to each press. The tactile response of the Outemu Brown switch remains unidentified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons for tactile feedback directly.
In summary, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a vibrant auditory experience coupled with a delightful and bouncy typing feel, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic and resonant switch. The Outemu Brown switch, while its sound and feel characteristics are unknown, may still offer a satisfactory experience based on individual preferences. Ultimately, users seeking similar results in terms of sound and feel will want to explore their options, as so much depends on personal preferences and specific keyboard configurations.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent option for you, especially if you appreciate a bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound that adds a layer of auditory satisfaction to your typing. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams, it strikes a balance between control and comfort, making it suitable for both gaming and typing, particularly if you prefer linear switches. On the other hand, if you want a switch that provides tactile feedback to help you register keypresses without the risk of bottoming out, the Outemu Brown is your go-to. Its medium-heavy weight of 65 grams gives you a firmer feel, perfect for typists who enjoy that tactile bump to signal they’ve activated the key. Ultimately, consider the type of feedback you find more satisfying—smooth and linear or tactile and responsive—as this will guide you to the switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
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