HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) is a linear switch known for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, providing a smooth and bouncy keystroke with a bright, resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy rapid key presses without tactile feedback, allowing for fast-paced gaming or typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that delivers a noticeable bump during actuation, offering a satisfying feedback that can help typists maintain accuracy and rhythm while typing longer texts. While the Lotus (Heavy) prioritizes smoothness and sound, the Cream Yellow focuses on tactile responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile feedback of a tactile design. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Cream Yellow, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared characteristic lends itself to an overall similar sound profile when typing. At the core of their performance is nylon's inherent softness, which plays a crucial role in sound absorption. As both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Cream Yellow utilize nylon, users can expect a deeper, fuller auditory experience primarily attributed to the material's ability to muffle higher frequencies, resulting in a rounder sound profile. This consistency in material helps users achieve a similar tactile experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Despite their shared nylon composition, it's important to recognize that each switch may have unique characteristics beyond housing material. Since the qualities of the sound profile can be affected by the design of the switch itself—such as spring tension, lubrication, or other internal components—there may still be subtle differences in actuation feel and acoustic response. While both switches will deliver that coveted muted sound, users may notice differences in the typing experience derived from each switch's specific build and design choices. Therefore, while the housing materials contribute significantly to sound dampening, the overall experience remains unique to each switch brand.
Ultimately, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Cream Yellow promise a similar sound experience due to their nylon housings, but the practical outcome in terms of feel and acoustics may vary. Users who prefer a rich, full typing sound will likely appreciate both types of switches, although they might gravitate toward one or the other depending on additional factors like weight or the specific characteristics of internal mechanisms. In summary, the shared nylon construction sets a solid foundation for a balanced acoustic performance, yet the overall typing experience can still diverge, highlighting the nuanced variations within mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Lotus (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Cream Yellow's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Cream Yellow more comfortable. Additionally, while both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces, with the Lotus (Heavy) at 62.5 grams and the Cream Yellow at 60 grams, the heavier Lotus provides a more substantial feel at key bottoming out. Consequently, those seeking a softer touch may gravitate towards the Cream Yellow, while users desiring a firmer typing experience might opt for the heavier Lotus. Overall, the Lotus (Heavy) presents as the heavier switch, while the Cream Yellow stands out as the lighter option, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Lotus measuring 3.5 mm and the Cream Yellow at 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Cream Yellow’s shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel when pressing the keys. While the difference between the two switches is minimal, those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience might gravitate towards the Lotus, whereas those focusing on rapid key response may find the Cream Yellow more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for keystroke depth versus responsiveness.
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 Yellow 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 sound profile of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant quality that can add a pleasing auditory element to typing. This lively sound can enhance the overall typing experience, making it more engaging. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have a specified sound profile. However, it should be noted that the sound produced by any switch is influenced by factors like the keyboard layout and material of the keycaps, which can lead to variations in acoustic performance.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, providing a notably bouncy sensation with each keystroke. This feedback can enhance typing speed and accuracy, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more robust tactile response. Conversely, the tactile nature of the Cream Yellow switch is not explicitly described, leaving an evaluation of its feel somewhat ambiguous. Typically, tactile switches provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, but without further information, it's difficult to make a direct comparison.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch stands out for its vibrant sound and satisfying bouncy feel, offering a delightful typing experience. The absence of detailed sound and feel characteristics for the Cream Yellow switch leaves a gap in comparison, but it’s important to consider that individual preferences in typing experience can vary widely. Those seeking specific qualities may find the Lotus (Heavy) more appealing, whereas the Outemu Cream Yellow could still serve well, contingent on personal preferences and other contributing factors like the keyboard build.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch should be guided by your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a bouncy, responsive keystroke with a slightly heavier actuation force and a bright, resonant auditory feedback, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is an ideal choice for you. Its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams provides satisfying keystrokes that can enhance your typing experience, making each action feel deliberately engaging. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic feel that offers a tactile bump to signal actuation without the added weight of a linear switch, the Cream Yellow might suit you better. With its slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams, this switch offers a different touch experience, giving you a clear indication of when your keystrokes register without being overly cumbersome. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value a bouncy, satisfying key feel or a responsive tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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