HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Dustproof Blue 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 Dustproof Blue present two distinct yet appealing options tailored for different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) switch features a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and is celebrated for its bright, resonant sound, offering keystrokes that feel delightfully bouncy and satisfying to the touch. This linear switch is ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch is a clicky switch known for its tactile feedback and distinct click sound, perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience that enhances accuracy and enjoyment. While the Lotus offers a quiet yet responsive feel, the Dustproof Blue engages users with its satisfying auditory and tactile sensations. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches illustrate a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, with the former utilizing nylon, while the latter employs polycarbonate. Nylon, as seen in the Lotus (Heavy), contributes to a deeper, more resonant sound profile due to its softer composition, which dampens sound and creates a rounded auditory experience. This characteristic makes it ideal for users who prefer a muted typing sound with less sharpness. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and more elevated sound, resulting from polycarbonate’s rigid structure that enhances clarity and resonance. Users who favor a brighter auditory feedback will find the Dustproof Blue aligns more closely with their preferences.
The bottom housings of both switches present an interesting point of similarity, as both utilize nylon material. This consistency results in an analogous sound profile when bottoming out, providing a deeper and fuller auditory experience regardless of the switch. Consequently, while the top housing of the Lotus (Heavy) dampens sounds, the bottom housing for both switches ensures that the sound produced when the key is fully pressed down remains similar—deep and rich. This shared material helps maintain an overall cohesive effect on sound while allowing distinct differences to emerge through the contrast presented by their top housings.
Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Dustproof Blue switches exhibit a complex interplay between their individual top and bottom housings. While the Lotus (Heavy) offers a muted, rounded sound profile due to its nylon top, the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top delivers a sharper auditory experience. However, with both switches featuring nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent feel in the bottom-out sound and low-frequency feedback. Thus, the user experience is markedly influenced by the interplay of materials, allowing the Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Dustproof Blue to cater to different preferences while sharing a foundational acoustic characteristic.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) requires an actuation force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, whereas the Dustproof Blue has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams but a higher bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that while the Dustproof Blue switch feels lighter to actuate, it requires more force to bottom out compared to the Lotus (Heavy). Consequently, the Lotus switch is the heavier option overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Dustproof Blue provides a lighter touch for the actuation but demands more effort when pressing down fully, which could be appealing for those seeking tactile feedback without feeling fatigued over long typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Lotus (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dustproof Blue features a longer travel distance at 4 mm. The 4 mm distance of the Dustproof Blue aligns with more traditional switch specifications, making it suited for users who appreciate a deeper keypress. Conversely, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you favor a more profound keypress for tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Blue is the better option; however, if you lean towards enhanced responsiveness, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) would be more suitable.
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 Dustproof Blue 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 produces a bright, resonant tone that stands out and adds an element of auditory feedback to each keystroke. This quality can enrich the typing experience, making it feel more lively and engaging. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, though no specific sound qualities are provided, is typically characterized by its distinctive clicking noise that provides a tactile and auditory confirmation with each press. This clicky feedback can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with typographical actions. However, the specific sound profile of the Dustproof Blue would ultimately be shaped by the keyboard's construction and the keycap material.
When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a super bouncy sensation due to its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g. This weight gives the switch a sense of resistance that can be enjoyable for long typing sessions, providing a tactile response that minimizes finger fatigue. The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, while lacking specific descriptions, is generally known for its tactile bump and click mechanism, which provides distinct feedback at the actuation point. This tactile response can be more engaging for those who enjoy a noticeable response while typing, although the overall feel will also be influenced by factors like switch lube and keyboard design.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch have unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Lotus (Heavy) is celebrated for its bright, resonant sound and tactile bounciness, the Outemu Dustproof Blue brings a more familiar clicky feel that is often favored by typists seeking auditory confirmation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound profile and tactile feedback, with each providing distinctive typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the kind of typing experience you seek. If you prefer a smooth and bouncy keystroke with a moderate bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the HMX Lotus switches will provide you with a delightful tactile experience, making them ideal if you type for long periods or enjoy a quieter environment without the distinct click sound. On the other hand, if you relish the traditional clicky feel and sound of typing, and are looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback alongside a medium-heavy weight of 65 grams, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches will cater to your needs. Their clicky feedback can make typing feel more tactile and satisfying, particularly for those who enjoy the nostalgic feel of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, whether you value smoothness and quiet operation or prefer the audible response that can enhance your engagement with the keyboard.
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