HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options stand out: the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Crystal Brown. The Lotus (Heavy) is a linear switch characterized by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a super bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound that enhances the typing experience with every keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted press without the tactile bump. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a tactile experience, designed for users who appreciate feedback upon activation. While it lacks the distinct auditory profile of the Lotus, its subtle tactile bump can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying feel without being overly noisy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding feel and sound; 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
55g
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
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, a notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. This softness allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch employs polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer material contributes to sharper, higher-pitched sounds, providing a crisper auditory feedback. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is employed, presenting a more vibrant aesthetic compared to the Lotus (Heavy) nylon top.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Crystal Brown share the same material: nylon. The consistency of using nylon for the bottom housing in both switches means that the auditory characteristics associated with that material—a deeper, fuller sound profile—will be present regardless of the switch being pressed. This shared bottom housing contributes to a unified typing experience, making both switches feel similar in that regard. As the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, users will find a familiarity in tactile feedback when using either switch.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials differ significantly—nylon for the Lotus (Heavy) and polycarbonate for the Crystal Brown—the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the two switches maintain a consistent depth and fullness in sound during pressing. This combination allows for a layered auditory experience where the top housing influences the sound profile when releasing a key and the bottom housing anchors that experience with its characteristically softer, more absorbing qualities. Thus, although there are distinct differences in sound profiles based on the materials used, the result is still a dynamic yet cohesive typing experience that showcases the strengths of each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a heavier option suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Thus, the Crystal Brown is the lighter switch while the Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that while both switches offer a medium level of resistance, the Lotus (Heavy) may provide a more robust feel overall, whereas the Crystal Brown caters to those who enjoy a gentler touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, the distinctions are quite clear. The Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Crystal Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Crystal Brown offers a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time, making it a better option for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Overall, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth; the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those seeking faster action, while the Crystal Brown delivers a more traditional, tactile experience.
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 Crystal 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 can add a lively character to your typing experience. This resonation can make each keystroke feel pronounced, contributing to an overall engaging atmosphere while you type or game. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specified sound quality, leaving its acoustic properties unknown. However, it's important to mention that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the keyboard construction, keycap material, and overall design.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, which provides a noticeable resistance that many users find satisfying. Its bouncy nature enhances the experience, making every keystroke appealing and responsive. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown’s feel is also unspecified, so we do not have a comparison for its tactile quality. Generally, tactile switches offer a noticeable bump during actuation, which may create a different typing experience compared to the smooth linear response of the Lotus.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by its bright sound and satisfying tactile response, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate both auditory feedback and a responsive feel. Meanwhile, the Outemu Crystal Brown does not provide specific information regarding sound or feel, leaving it unclear how these qualities may stack up against the Lotus. Overall, if you're seeking an engaging sound and a bouncy, satisfying typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) would likely be the preferred option between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, your preferences and typing style will be key in making the right choice. If you enjoy a bouncier typing experience and appreciate a slightly heavier keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent option with its 62.5g bottom-out force and pleasant, resonant sound. This switch is particularly suitable for those who prefer a more responsive feel, making it a great choice for gaming or fast-paced typing where each keystroke feels satisfying. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a tactile feedback element that can enhance your typing accuracy, the Crystal Brown with its 55g bottom-out force might be more appealing. While it may not boast the same distinct auditory character, this switch caters to those who like a moderate tactile bump without the weighty feel, making it suitable for both typing and gaming where comfort over prolonged sessions is a priority. By evaluating these characteristics, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing habits and preferences.
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