HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Green offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, providing a satisfying bouncy feel with each keystroke, complemented by its bright, resonant sound. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a bit of auditory excitement while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green, while also a linear switch, is designed for users seeking a quieter workspace and a smoother typing experience without the additional auditory distractions. This makes it a great option for professionals who need to maintain focus in shared environments. Each switch brings its own benefits, appealing to different styles of typing and preferences for sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 the Outemu Silent Green switches offer contrasting auditory experiences primarily due to the differing materials used in their top and bottom housings. The Lotus features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer properties. This softness enables the nylon housing to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a consequence, the sound produced while typing is notably duller and rounder, creating an experience that many users may find more muted and pleasant, especially in quieter environments. In comparison, the Silent Green uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which provides a stiffer structure and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The nature of polycarbonate allows for clearer and more resonant acoustics, which can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a crisper typing experience with an audible feedback.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, the differences in sound profile persist. The Lotus (Heavy) maintains the softer nylon material, which contributes to its deeper sound, making each keystroke feel more solid but less pronounced. This characteristic can be beneficial for users who prefer a dampened typing experience, such as in an office setting where noise reduction is paramount. In stark contrast, the Silent Green’s polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the keystroke's impact, providing a sharper and more resonant bottom-out sound. This distinction not only shapes sound but also influences the tactile feedback experienced during typing. Users of the Silent Green may appreciate the pronounced feedback along with the exhilarating sound quality offered by the polycarbonate materials.
Although the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Silent Green switches differ significantly in their material compositions, they can exhibit similar overall results in terms of user experience when considering the type of switch they offer. If one prefers a sound profile leaning towards being softer and deeper, the Lotus serves well but retains that muted quality throughout. Conversely, those seeking a bright and clear sound will find the Silent Green fits their need. Yet, both switches ultimately fulfill the fundamental purpose of mechanical keyboards—providing tactile feedback and auditory response. Users can look at these two switches and select based on the specific sound experience they desire while typing; the choice ultimately becomes about preference rather than capability.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier option between the two. In contrast, the Silent Green requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that users of the Silent Green can expect a softer touch, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. While both switches have medium bottom out forces, the difference in their actuation forces signifies that typists seeking a more substantial and responsive feel would prefer the Lotus (Heavy), whereas those looking for a lighter and quieter keystroke might gravitate towards the Silent Green. Overall, if achieving lighter key feels is a priority, the Silent Green would be the better choice, while the Lotus caters to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is clear that they differ in their designs. The Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and provides a deeper feel. This difference indicates that users who prefer a more responsive typing experience may lean towards the Lotus (Heavy) switch, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate quicker key presses, which is often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might find the Outemu Silent Green to be more satisfying, as its longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, this distinction allows potential users to select a switch that aligns with their individual preferences for typing responsiveness versus depth.
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 Silent Green 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 adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience. This sound profile can enhance the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard, particularly for those who appreciate a more lively acoustic environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch has no specific sound characteristics provided, making it difficult to directly compare its acoustic properties. However, linear switches typically tend to be quieter than their tactile or clicky counterparts, which could imply a less pronounced sound profile compared to the Lotus (Heavy).
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is characterized by a medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams, offering a super bouncy sensation with every keystroke. This bounciness translates into a delightful and responsive typing experience, allowing typists to enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback without the harshness found in heavier switches. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Green is unspecified, so it’s challenging to compare its tactile characteristics directly. Given that it is marketed as a silent switch, it may provide a smoother and quieter typing experience, but without specific details, the user might need to try it firsthand to understand its unique feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch stands out with its delightful sound and bouncy feel, making it a potential choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. While the Outemu Silent Green linear switch lacks detailed descriptions regarding its sound and feel, it is likely to cater to users seeking a quieter and smoother option. Depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but the Lotus (Heavy) offers a more defined auditory and tactile experience compared to the currently unknown qualities of the Silent Green.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a more pronounced and bouncy keystroke feel, coupled with a bright and resonant sound profile, then the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent choice. Its 62.5g actuation force provides stability and a satisfying response, making it perfect for both gaming and typing, especially if you prefer a switch that feels substantial without being overly heavy. On the other hand, if you desire a quieter typing experience—perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night sessions—the Outemu Silent Green switch, with its slightly lighter 60g actuation force, is designed to minimize noise while still delivering a smooth linear feel. In essence, if you're after a lively and tactile switch experience, lean towards the HMX Lotus (Heavy). However, if discretion and subtlety are your primary concerns, the Silent Green will serve you well without compromising on performance.
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