HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent White present two intriguing options for those who prefer linear switches, each with its unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, offering a satisfying resistance that enhances the tactile experience with every keystroke. Users often appreciate its bright, resonant sound, which adds a layer of auditory feedback during typing, making it a great choice for individuals who enjoy a pronounced keystroke audio while gaming or typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White switches are designed for the user who prioritizes quiet operation without sacrificing smoothness. Ideal for office environments or shared spaces, these switches provide a linear experience that minimizes noise while still delivering a responsive keypress. Both switches excel in their own right—whether you prefer the tactile delight and auditory feedback of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) or the discreet, silent performance of the Outemu Silent White. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent White, significant differences emerge, particularly in the choice of plastics used for their top housings. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound well, resulting in a sound that is more muted and rounded. In contrast, the Silent White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The intrinsic qualities of polycarbonate allow for clearer resonance, making it a popular choice for RGB switches due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches utilize high-quality materials, the contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate contribute to fundamentally different auditory experiences.
In the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, creating a commonality that influences their acoustic properties. The nylon bottom housing in both the Lotus (Heavy) and Silent White contributes to a fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound and dampens vibrations upon keypress. This shared characteristic in their bottom housings ensures that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, users will experience a similar muted sound when the keys bottom out. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the feel and sound of the switch during actuation, both switches incorporate nylon in this area, reinforcing a consistent tactile experience despite the variations in their sound profiles resulting from the top housing materials.
When considering the overall performance of the two switches, the differences in top housing materials further illuminate how sound characteristics can be shaped by their combinations. While the Lotus (Heavy) leans towards a rounder sound from its nylon housing, the Silent White offers a crisper, more pronounced auditory feedback thanks to its polycarbonate top. However, since both switches employ nylon in the bottom housing, they share a common ground that influences the total acoustic experience. Consequently, users can expect a more profound and bolder bottom-out sound from both, but the sound when releasing a key will differ significantly, highlighting the impact that top housing materials have on key release acoustics. Thus, the contrasting yet complementary materials work together to define the unique soundscapes of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams, making the Lotus (Heavy) the heavier option. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience might favor the Lotus, as its increased actuation force requires more effort to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Silent White at 60 grams is slightly lower than that of the Lotus (Heavy), which has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. Consequently, while the Silent White is easier to actuate, it still provides a similar tactile feedback when bottoming out. Overall, the Silent White is the lighter switch, which may be more suitable for those who engage in long typing sessions or gaming, while the Lotus (Heavy) offers a firmer feel for those who prefer a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it's clear that the Lotus (Heavy) offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm means that for gamers or users seeking quicker response times, the Silent White may be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing or gaming might prefer the Lotus (Heavy) for its longer travel distance, which allows for more depth and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference—whether one favors the responsiveness of a shorter distance or the hearty feel of a longer one.
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 White 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 sound that adds a lively character to each keystroke. This auditory feedback can be particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience from their mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks any specific sound characteristics provided in the information, which leaves its acoustic profile a bit of a mystery. However, linear switches are typically quieter than tactile or clicky alternatives, so one might expect the Silent White to offer a more subdued sound similar to other linear switches.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Lotus (Heavy) is notable for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a super bouncy sensation that enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel responsive and satisfying. This weight can be particularly appealing for those who favor more deliberate typing. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch remains unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, being a linear switch, it likely provides a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, which promotes a fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch stands out for its lively sound and bouncy feel, the Outemu Silent White linear switch offers less clarity on its acoustic and tactile performance. If you're seeking an engaging auditory experience and a satisfying keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) is a strong choice. Without specific details on the Silent White's sound and feel, it remains more of a wildcard; however, it may still deliver a smooth, quieter typing experience typical of linear switches. Ultimately, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but the Lotus (Heavy) is clearly more distinctive in its characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch depends heavily on your typing style and environment. If you appreciate a more tactile feedback with a satisfying bounce in each keystroke, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent option, thanks to its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams and its bright, resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. This switch is particularly rewarding for both gaming and typing tasks where you want that extra engagement and enjoyment from each press. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter experience, perhaps in a shared workspace or a library, the Outemu Silent White linear switch would be the better choice. With its slightly lower actuation force of 60 grams, it offers smooth and silent keystrokes, allowing you to focus on your work without distractions. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preferences for sound and feel, so consider where and how you’ll be using your keyboard most frequently to determine the right switch for you.
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