HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Cold Plum are both appealing options for enthusiasts, each offering a distinct typing experience. The Lotus (Heavy) stands out with its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, providing a satisfying resistance that contributes to a bouncy and responsive feel, complemented by a bright, resonant sound that adds a joyful auditory feedback to your keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switches capture attention with their unique thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a smooth keystroke along with a rich acoustic experience that many find irresistible. While the Lotus (Heavy) excels in providing a lively typist engagement, the Cold Plum is perfect for those who prioritize a tactile feedback combined with a distinct sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is noteworthy that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This commonality in material choice means that typing on either switch will yield a similar auditory experience. As nylon is renowned for its softer and more absorbent qualities compared to harder plastics, both switches will produce deeper and fuller sound profiles. Consequently, users can expect a rounder sound when interacting with either switch, enhancing the overall typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback that feels uniform across both options.

Delving deeper into the specifics of the housing construction, the equivalency of the nylon material in both the Lotus (Heavy) and Cold Plum means the switches will share not only comparable acoustics but also tactile sensations. As the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, both switch designs should deliver a similar sensation upon a keystroke. The nylon's ability to absorb sound will reduce sharpness in both cases, resulting in a typing feel that is dampened and snug, making both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Cold Plum appealing choices for users who prioritize a cushioned auditory experience.

However, despite the shared material, there could still be nuances influenced by other design elements, such as switch actuation force and stem variation, which may differentiate the types of feedback and responsiveness users feel. The top housing's role becomes prominent when releasing a key, where the nylon again contributes to a consistent overall sound profile. Therefore, while both switches present similar properties due to their nylon housings, personal preferences towards typing dynamics and nuances in sound might guide a user's ultimate choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Cold Plum.

Weight

The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer distinct yet somewhat comparable actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, considered medium in terms of typing feel. In contrast, the Cold Plum requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and features a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that while both switches are suitable for various typing preferences, the Cold Plum will likely provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming due to its higher forces. For users who prioritize a lighter touch, the Lotus (Heavy) is the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions or extensive gaming without fatigue. Therefore, in terms of weight, the Lotus (Heavy) is the lighter switch, while the Cold Plum is the heavier choice, suggesting that users can achieve different typing experiences depending on their preferred actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we see a difference in their specifications. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Lotus (Heavy) provides a bit more depth when pressing down a key, which some users might find offers a more satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers and others looking for quicker response times. Thus, if rapid key presses are a priority, the Cold Plum would be the better choice. Conversely, if a deeper, more deliberate keystroke is preferred, the Lotus (Heavy) stands out as the longer option. In summary, the Lotus (Heavy) provides more travel at 3.5 mm, while the Cold Plum measures at 3.3 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that adds a lively element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch features a thocky sound profile, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic response. While both switches provide distinctive sound characteristics, the Lotus offers a more vibrant auditory feedback, whereas the Cold Plum's sound profile leans towards a more muted yet rich tone. Ultimately, both switches contribute to a unique auditory experience, but your choice may depend on whether you prefer a brighter or a thockier sound.

When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch boasts a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, which lends to a super bouncy and responsive typing experience that can make each keypress feel particularly enjoyable. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is designed for smooth keystrokes, delivering a satisfying and distinct touch that admirers of linear switches will appreciate. Although both switches prioritize a smooth keystroke action, the Lotus's bounciness contrasts with the Cold Plum's emphasis on a plush, smooth tactile sensation.

In summary, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches offer unique characteristics suited for different preferences. The Lotus switch stands out for its bright sound and bouncy feel, while the Cold Plum captivates with its thocky sound and smooth action. Each switch has its own merit, and the best choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a lively sound and responsive feel or a deeper auditory profile with a smooth keystroke.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, your choice should primarily depend on your typing preferences and the experiences you seek in mechanical keyboards. If you favor a medium-heavy weight and enjoy a bouncy feel with a bright and resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) will likely be your best option. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a more dynamic and responsive keystroke that makes typing feel delightful and engaging. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more robust typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a thocky sound profile, you might want to opt for the Outemu Cold Plum switches. Their fully nylon construction lends a unique smoothness and a satisfying audible feedback that many typing enthusiasts cherish. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you enjoy most in your keyboard experience—whether it’s the lift of every keypress with the Lotus (Heavy) or the thocky punch of the Cold Plum.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more