HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two compelling options are the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both linear switches. The Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams, delivering a bright, resonant sound that adds a pleasant auditory feedback to your keystrokes while providing a super bouncy feeling that many users find enjoyable. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a more muted experience, designed for those who prefer quieter operation without sacrificing the smoothness characteristic of linear switches. The Lotus might appeal to typists and gamers looking for tactile enjoyment and pronounced sound, while the Silent Yellow is ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where minimal noise is paramount. 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
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it's evident that they possess different characteristics which contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softness and ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller audio experience when typing. The nylon's acoustic properties yield a more muted sound, making it suitable for users who prefer a sound profile that is rounder and less intrusive. In contrast, the Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer material that promotes a higher-pitched and crisper sound effect. This discrepancy in top housing materials implies that users could expect the Lotus (Heavy) to produce a more subdued auditory experience compared to the clearer and more resonant tones of the Outemu Silent Yellow.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, they offer a notable similarity. Both the Lotus (Heavy) and Silent Yellow employ nylon for their bottom housings, which brings forth a consistent sound profile characteristics—specifically, that of a rich and fuller acoustic experience. As noted, nylon's properties primarily influence the key's bottom-out sound and feel. Since both switches share this material in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar tactile experience when bottoming out. This commonality helps create a cohesive feel during typing, regardless of the differences in the top housings that otherwise segment their overall sound profiles.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Yellow serve to create distinctive auditory qualities, while their shared nylon bottom housings provide a consistent tactile experience. Users who appreciate a balanced and somewhat muted sound may lean towards the Lotus (Heavy), whereas those who favor a sharper, more pronounced acoustic profile might opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow. Despite these contrasts, the shared use of nylon at the bottom allows users to experience the same plush feel, reinforcing the idea that even when switch features diverge, similarities in construction can maintain a cohesive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces while their bottom out forces are relatively close. The Lotus (Heavy) features a actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier option overall. In contrast, the Silent Yellow is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Yellow can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register each keystroke. However, the stronger actuation force of the Lotus (Heavy) may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while the bottom out forces are somewhat similar, with the Silent Yellow being marginally lighter, the distinct differences in actuation force make it clear that the Lotus (Heavy) is geared towards a firmer touch, whereas the Silent Yellow caters to those seeking a softer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there is a distinct difference. The Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. This means that if you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Lotus (Heavy) may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the Silent Yellow, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more pronounced feedback that some users find satisfying. Overall, your choice between them may come down to whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial feel while typing.
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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch stands out with its bright, resonant characteristics that create a lively auditory experience during typing. This feature contributes to a satisfying acoustic feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience, making it enjoyable for both casual use and intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is characterized by a quieter operation, which suggests a more subdued sound profile. While the specific sound qualities of the Silent Yellow are not detailed, it’s understood that this switch is designed to minimize noise, making it a suitable choice for quiet environments or shared workspaces.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a super bouncy sensation with its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g. This weightiness enhances the tactile experience, allowing for precise control that many typists and gamers find appealing. It provides a notable engagement with each keystroke, making every press feel rewarding. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow is not described, leaving an aspect of uncertainty regarding its feedback and weight. However, given its designation as a silent switch, it may lean towards a smoother actuation without the bouncy feedback of the Lotus, which can lead to a more effortless typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch excels in both sound and feel with its bright acoustics and bouncy response, making it engaging for users who appreciate noticeable feedback and resonance. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow likely caters to those in need of a quieter switch without detailing its specific characteristics. If you're looking for a lively and tactile typing experience, the Lotus is a clear choice. If you prefer a more muted operation, the Silent Yellow may meet your needs, although specific feel attributes remain unknown and deserve personal exploration.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches, your choice will greatly depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you gravitate towards a lively, bouncy feel with a bright, resonant sound that enhances the tactile experience of each keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams might be the better option for you. This switch excels in providing a delightful auditory feedback while typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging and tactile experience, particularly in a personal or hobbyist setting where sound is less of a concern. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience—perhaps for work in a shared space or streaming—then the Outemu Silent Yellow, with its slightly lighter bottom-out force of 60 grams and focus on sound dampening, would be more suitable. This switch caters to those who want a smooth and silent typing environment, allowing for uninterrupted concentration. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your need for sound and feedback in your typing experience, helping you select the switch that best aligns with your personal preference and usage scenario.
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