HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown

Overview

When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Dustproof Brown can significantly influence your typing experience. The Lotus (Heavy) offers a linear feel with a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation that adds a delightful auditory element with its bright, resonant sound. This makes it an appealing option for those who prefer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch designed to provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, allowing typists to feel when a key has been registered. While Dustproof Brown switches typically offer a softer touch and less resistance than their heavier counterparts, they cater to users who appreciate tactile feedback in their typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, depending on whether you prioritize smoothness and sound or tactile responsiveness in your keyboard interactions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$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 Dustproof Brown, significant distinctions emerge, particularly between their top housings. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which is noted for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a more muted acoustic experience that many typists may find enjoyable. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates more clearly. Consequently, while both switches aim to offer an auditory experience, they diverge in terms of sound quality; the Lotus (Heavy) leans towards a warmer tone, whereas the Dustproof Brown delivers a crisper auditory feedback.

Interestingly, both switches share a common material in their bottom housings: nylon. This similarity implies that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel—the experience you get when you fully press down on the key—the two switches will exhibit comparable characteristics. Given that both feature nylon in this aspect, users can expect similar rounded and muted feedback when the keys are activated, regardless of the differing top housing materials. This shared material in the bottom housing serves as a leveler, ensuring that the overall typing experience retains certain fundamental qualities echoing the classic nylon feel, regardless of the contrasts found in their upper sections.

Ultimately, the divergence in experience between the Lotus (Heavy) and the Dustproof Brown is most pronounced in their top housings, while their common use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a consistent tactile experience. For users who appreciate the deeper sound profile of nylon, the Lotus (Heavy) will satisfy with its unique sound characteristics. However, those looking for a sharper auditory feedback will likely prefer the Dustproof Brown. By understanding these compositions, users can better evaluate their options based on personal preferences, knowing that the bottom housing will contribute similarly to both experiences, yet the top housing distinctly molds their auditory journey.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) has a lower actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Dustproof Brown, which features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may find the Dustproof Brown more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while those who enjoy a heavier push may favor the Lotus (Heavy) for its more substantial feel. Interestingly, while the bottom out force of the Dustproof Brown is higher at 65 grams compared to the Lotus's 62.5 grams, the overall experience of bottoming out is still relatively similar due to both switches being classified as medium to medium-heavy. Thus, while the bottom out force discrepancy is minimal, the differences in actuation force present a clear choice depending on user preference for typing weight.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dustproof Brown features a longer distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lotus (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, whereas the Dustproof Brown's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced feel, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Consequently, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Lotus (Heavy) may be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a deeper, more substantial key press, the Dustproof Brown would be a suitable option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by a bright and resonant tone that can enhance the overall auditory experience while typing. This sound profile often provides satisfying feedback to the user, giving a sense of joy with each keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, which suggests that its acoustic qualities may vary widely depending on the keyboard setup and the materials used. Typically, tactile switches produce a less pronounced sound than linear switches, but without definitive information, one might find the Dustproof Brown to be quieter or more muted in comparison to the Lotus.

When evaluating the feel of these switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, contributing to a super bouncy sensation that many typists find delightful. This weight allows for a satisfying resistance that adds a layer of tactile engagement with each press. The feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown is left undefined, but since it is a tactile switch, one could generally expect a noticeable bump during actuation. However, without specific details on its weight or tactile feedback, it remains difficult to provide a direct comparison on the tactile experience it offers against the appealing bounce of the Lotus.

Ultimately, if sound and feel are paramount in your selection of a mechanical switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch stands out with its vibrant acoustics and delightful bounce. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown provides an undefined yet likely more understated auditory experience and tactile feedback characteristic of tactile switches. For those seeking an enjoyable typing experience, the Lotus could prove to be the more exhilarating choice, while the Brown may cater to users who prefer a more subdued feel and sound.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch really hinges on your personal preferences and usage. If you enjoy a bouncier feel and a bright, resonant sound with your keystrokes, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams provides a delightful typing experience that feels responsive without being overly strenuous. This makes it a great fit for gamers or typists looking for smooth and uninterrupted performance, where the even travel and lack of tactile bump enhances your flow. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Brown, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, could be the better choice for you. While it may not have the same reputation for sound and feel as the Lotus, the tactile switch offers a satisfying bump during each keystroke, helping you to easily gauge when your key has been activated—ideal for typing in longer sessions or for those who enjoy the traditional keyboard feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the kind of feedback that enhances your experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more