HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two standout options are the HMX Lotus (Heavy), a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, offering a delightful bouncy feeling with each keystroke that is complemented by a bright, resonant sound, making it a fantastic choice for typists who enjoy a premium auditory experience and a smooth typing flow. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet yet satisfying typing experience due to their pronounced tactile bump, catering to users who prioritize a more subdued environment without sacrificing feedback. Both switches have their unique appeal: the Lotus for those who relish a lively auditory and tactile experience and the Silent Grey for individuals seeking silence without losing the pleasure of tactile feedback. 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
1.60 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
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 Silent Grey switches, a significant distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound and mitigates higher frequencies, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it ideal for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. While their top housings convey notably different sound profiles, both switches still provide satisfying tactile feedback during typing.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Silent Grey utilize nylon. This commonality means they share similar characteristics regarding the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed down. The nylon in the Silent Grey's bottom housing absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic response, much like the experience provided by the Lotus (Heavy). This consistency in materials helps unify the overall typing experience across both switches, as the impact of the bottom housing is felt more significantly when actuating the keys.
The overall performance of each switch is ultimately dictated by the interplay of the different housing materials. With the Lotus (Heavy) featuring a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the result is a sound profile that is rich and smooth throughout the keypress. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Grey's combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom introduces a unique dynamic; the sharpness and clarity from the polycarbonate take precedence during key release, while the nylon maintains a soft, rounded character when the key is pressed down. Thus, while the Lotus (Heavy) opts for a more homogeneous sound experience, the Silent Grey incorporates a blend of textures and sounds that can create a more layered auditory experience.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, influencing user preference based on typing feel and comfort. The Lotus (Heavy) features a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Grey is higher at 65 grams, contrasting with the Lotus (Heavy), which has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that while the Silent Grey requires more force to fully depress the key, it provides a more substantial response when bottoming out. In summary, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is overall lighter in actuation force, appealing to those who type for longer periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Grey may appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it's evident that they differ significantly. The Lotus (Heavy) boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey's 4 mm travel distance. This shorter distance of the Lotus (Heavy) may appeal to those who favor responsiveness, particularly gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Silent Grey offers a more traditional 4 mm distance, which provides a deeper and more substantial feeling upon actuation, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. Consequently, if you prioritize speed and quick response, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the preferable option, while the Outemu Silent Grey caters to those who appreciate a more noticeable feedback through its longer travel distance.
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 Grey 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) switch delivers a bright and resonant tone with a noticeable acoustic presence. This lively sound profile contributes to an engaging typing experience, making every keystroke feel impactful, which many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed to prioritize quiet operation while maintaining a tactile feel. The muted sound ensures that typing is less disruptive in quieter environments, appealing to those who want to minimize noise without sacrificing feedback. While the Lotus (Heavy) brings a more pronounced sound, the Silent Grey offers a discrete alternative that can also depend on the keyboard build and keycap material chosen.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation with each keystroke that many typists find enjoyable and energetic. This bounce adds a playful element to typing, fostering a sense of responsiveness. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey switch features a pronounced tactile bump, delivering a smooth and satisfying keystroke that helps users feel the actuation point clearly without the heaviness of the Lotus switch. The tactile feedback will appeal to those who appreciate a defined bump during their typing, while the Silent Grey’s quieter nature allows for a more subdued typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) excels in sound and a bouncy feel, making it well-suited for users who enjoy a more lively typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey focuses on quiet operation and tactile feedback, catering to those seeking a more subdued yet satisfying feel. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel; however, the decision will yield distinct results given their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a sprightly feel with a pronounced auditory feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) will likely be the right fit for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams provides a satisfying bounce, making every keystroke feel engaging and lively, perfect for gamers or typists who appreciate a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey would be your go-to option. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, these switches deliver a highly tactile feel accompanied by a smooth action, ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise may be a concern. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and environment: go for the Lotus (Heavy) for a lively, audible experience, or opt for the Silent Grey for a subtle yet satisfying feedback with less noise.
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