HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Ocean present distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, offering a tactile, bouncy feel with each keystroke. Its bright, resonant sound can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, known for its smooth linear motion, prioritizes a quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more subtle sound profile. While the Lotus (Heavy) might attract typists seeking a lively and engaging experience, the Silent Ocean appeals to those in shared spaces or those who simply desire a more discreet operation. 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
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
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 housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches present a striking contrast in terms of texture and sound profile due to their respective top housings. The Lotus (Heavy) boasts a nylon top housing, which is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic stems from nylon's soft plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer materials found in other switch types. As a result, the typing experience on the Lotus (Heavy) is marked by a duller, rounder acoustic quality that many users find satisfying, particularly for those who prefer a muted sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing promotes a more vibrant and sharp sound, which is especially noticeable when releasing a key. The stiffer polycarbonate lends itself to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, particularly advantageous for users who value a more pronounced auditory feedback.
When examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches utilize nylon material. This shared composition in their bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon absorbs sound effectively, leading to a similarly muted typing experience during key presses. Despite the differences in their top housings, the nylon bottom of both switches ensures that the tactile feel remains consistent. Users can expect a certain level of sound dampening and physical feedback when pressing down on either switch due to this shared nylon characteristic, which can enhance typing comfort by reducing the impact noise when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the distinctive sound profiles of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Ocean are shaped primarily by their top housing materials, while their bottom housings harmonize through their common nylon construction. This means that while users may experience differing sounds upon key release—due to the nylon versus polycarbonate dichotomy in the top housings—the bottom-out sound and tactile feel will align closely, thanks to the use of nylon in both switches’ base. Thus, users can achieve relatively similar acoustic experiences grounded by the nylon bottom while enjoying the distinct tonal characteristics that each top housing brings to their typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation forces. The Lotus (Heavy) requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier compared to the Silent Ocean's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a more substantial push feel will find the Lotus (Heavy) more suitable, as it provides a firmer typing experience. On the other hand, those who seek a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may benefit from the Silent Ocean. Interestingly, while the Silent Ocean has a higher bottom-out force of 65 grams compared to the Lotus's bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it still retains a lighter feel during the actuation phase. Ultimately, users looking for a heavier switch experience should opt for the Lotus (Heavy), whereas the Silent Ocean appeals to those who prioritize a lighter actuation force.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lotus switch provides a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking quick key presses. Conversely, the Silent Ocean switch offers a more substantial depth, appealing to those who enjoy a traditional feel and a more pronounced tactile response. Therefore, if you're looking for faster actuation, the Lotus (Heavy) is the superior choice, while the Silent Ocean may better suit those who prefer a deeper key travel.
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 Ocean 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 is characterized by a bright and resonant tone during operation. This auditory feedback can create a more engaging typing experience, especially for users who enjoy the sound of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks specific details regarding its sound profile. However, many linear switches are typically quieter than tactile or clicky switches, suggesting that the Silent Ocean may offer a more subdued sound, potentially appealing to those who prefer a less intrusive typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy resistance of 62.5g, which provides a bouncy sensation that can enhance the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel satisfying and responsive. Conversely, there is insufficient information available about the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons in this category. Generally speaking, however, one might expect the Silent Ocean to deliver a smooth linear experience typical of its category, emphasizing consistent keystrokes without tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch presents a distinct combination of sound and a bouncy, heavy feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offers an intriguing potential for quieter operation without specific details available for direct comparison. Those seeking auditory engagement and responsive feedback might gravitate towards the Lotus, while users looking for a muted experience may find the Silent Ocean to be an appealing choice, although its exact characteristics remain largely unknown.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a keystroke that is both satisfying and responsive, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, offers a vibrant and bouncy experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing or gaming, especially if you don’t mind a bit of sound to accompany your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you are seeking a quieter and more subdued typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean’s medium-heavy weight of 65 grams provides a steady and consistent feel without the auditory feedback, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise is a concern. In summary, choose the HMX Lotus (Heavy) for an exciting tactile experience and sound, while the Outemu Silent Ocean is perfect for a quieter setup without sacrificing key resistance.
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