HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Cream Pink 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 Cream Pink both offer unique advantages for typists and gamers alike, despite both being categorized as linear switches. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, providing a satisfying resistance that delivers a super bouncy feel with each keystroke, complemented by its bright, resonant sound—a perfect fit for those who enjoy tactile feedback and an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink, while lacking distinctive features in its characterization, is celebrated for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quieter, more uniform typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for weight and sound, but 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Cream Pink switches both utilize nylon as their housing material, which plays a significant role in shaping their sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon employed in both switches is characterized as a classic material favored for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. This is primarily due to nylon being a softer plastic, helping to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, this shared housing material ensures that both switch types deliver a similar auditory experience characterized by a profound and rounded sound, making them appealing choices for users seeking a muted and refined typing acoustics.
While both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, the Lotus (Heavy) is marketed as having a heavier feel, potentially due to its internal construction or spring tension. However, since both switches are made from the same material, users can expect them to maintain comparable sound absorption qualities, leading to a similar audible output when typing. The nuanced differences in feel, attributed more to weight and construction rather than material, could still impact the overall experience, prompting different preferences among typists. This means that even if the auditory results are akin, the tactile feedback may diverge, appealing to varying user tastes.
Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that the contribution of each housing type—top and bottom—will affect the overall performance of each switch. Since both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Cream Pink switches share the same nylon material throughout, their sound profiles during the actuation and release will mirror each other; however, the feel of bottoming out could differ due to the Lotus (Heavy)'s heavier construction. This distinction is critical because while users might achieve a similar sound when typing, the sensation of pressing down and releasing a key might still lead to different experiences when selecting between these switches. Overall, both types of switches can offer satisfying acoustic results while also catering to individual preferences in tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can impact user experience. The Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Cream Pink’s 50 grams. This suggests that the Cream Pink may be more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while the Lotus (Heavy) will provide a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Interestingly, while the Cream Pink has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier at this endpoint, the Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly lower bottom out force of 62.5 grams. Thus, the Cream Pink overall has a heavier feel due to its higher bottom out force despite its lighter actuation force, making it appealing to those who like a bit more resistance. Ultimately, users' choices will depend on their preferences for lighter versus heavier switch experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, the key difference is evident in their respective measurements. The Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Cream Pink boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) may be more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times and less actuation effort. In contrast, those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke and a hearty depth might opt for the Cream Pink due to its longer travel distance. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the difference in travel distance highlights the trade-off between responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 Cream Pink 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 has a bright and resonant quality that stands out when typing. This auditory experience can enhance the joy of using the switch, as its lively sound contributes to an engaging typing environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch does not have an established sound profile that is widely recognized. However, it’s important to note that the sound of any switch can be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycaps used, meaning that both switches may exhibit variations in auditory feedback depending on their configurations.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, resulting in a super bouncy sensation that adds to the pleasure of each keystroke. This tactile quality can make a significant difference for typists and gamers who appreciate responsive feedback. While detailed information about the feel of the Cream Pink switch is lacking, switch feel often correlates with the weight and design of the switch, suggesting that it may deliver a different typing experience that could appeal to certain users.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by its bright sound and delightful bouncy feel, which many will find enjoyable for various typing tasks. The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, despite lacking detailed descriptions of its sound and feel, may still hold appeal based on individual preferences and the specific keyboard configuration used. If you’re seeking a switch with a distinct auditory and responsive tactile quality, the Lotus (Heavy) is likely the better choice. However, experimenting with the Cream Pink could yield satisfactory results depending on your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when you're deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bouncy typing experience complemented by a bright and resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) switch might be the perfect choice for you. Its medium weight of 62.5 grams offers a satisfying tactile feedback while ensuring your fingers won’t tire out quickly during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust resistance that encourages deliberate keystrokes, the slightly heavier 65-gram force of the Cream Pink switch could suit you better, especially if you seek a firmer feel when typing or gaming. Since the Cream Pink lacks the distinct characteristics of sound and feel highlighted by the Lotus, you might find it more suitable for quieter environments or if you're looking for a more straightforward experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to whether you value the delightful, bouncy feedback and sound of the Lotus (Heavy) or the firmer, more subdued keystroke offered by the Cream Pink.
Mentioned in this article
