HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Silver both stand out as excellent linear options, yet they offer distinct characteristics that might cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), weighing in at a medium-heavy 62.5g, is celebrated for its bouncy feel and bright, resonant sound, providing users with an engaging typing experience that enhances every keystroke. In contrast, while the Outemu Silver lacks notable distinctions in terms of sound or feel, it is often appreciated for its smooth actuation and reliable performance, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists seeking a consistent response. The Lotus switch may appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback and auditory feedback during typing, whereas the Silver caters to users who prioritize smoothness and efficiency. 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
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 Silver, notable differences arise in their top housing materials, which directly influence the sound profile produced during use. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer plastic composition, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This property allows the housing to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This distinction underscores a fundamental contrast between the two switches: while the Lotus (Heavy) encourages a muted, rounded typing experience, the Outemu Silver delivers clarity and resonance, making it more suited for users who prefer a brighter sound.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a unifying element in their overall sound profile. Nylon, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, elicits a deeper and fuller auditory sensation, especially during bottom-out moments. This means that even though the top housings differ significantly in shaping the auditory characteristics, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches share a similar foundational sound aspect. Thus, users typing on both switches will experience a similar deep resonance during key presses, regardless of the contrasting top acoustics.
The combined effect of different top and bottom housing materials in both switches highlights how sound and feel are shaped within a mechanical switch. The Lotus (Heavy), with its nylon top and bottom, is designed to produce a soft, rounded auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who prioritize a more subdued typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Silver combines its polycarbonate top housing with nylon bottom housing to create an interesting juxtaposition; users will enjoy the crisp, clear sound on release from the polycarbonate paired with the deeper tone produced at the bottom-out. Ultimately, the varied materials used in the two switches foster distinct auditory experiences while still maintaining some level of acoustic harmony due to the shared nylon element in the bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to varied user preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a higher actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Outemu Silver's lighter 45 grams. This means that users of the Lotus switch will require a bit more effort to trigger a keystroke, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Silver surpasses the Lotus with a measurement of 65 grams versus 62.5 grams for the Lotus. Consequently, while the Lotus is heavier in terms of actuation force, it is lighter during the bottom out phase compared to the Outemu Silver. Additionally, the heavier actuation of the Lotus may lead to greater fatigue over long typing or gaming sessions, making the lighter Outemu Silver a better choice for those who prioritize extended comfort and reduced effort. Overall, users will find that these switches provide different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out force specifications.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a shorter actuation distance, which may be more suitable for gamers who prioritize quicker response times and a snappier feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional experience that some users might prefer for a deeper, more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for a responsive switch, the Lotus (Heavy) would be the optimal choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke might gravitate towards the Outemu Silver.
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 Silver 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, resonant tone that stands out during use. This characteristic can be very satisfying for typists who enjoy an audible feedback with each keystroke. The bright quality of the sound makes it feel lively and energetic, contributing to an engaging typing experience. The Outemu Silver switch’s sound profile is unspecified, which leaves it open to interpretation. However, sound can be significantly influenced by external factors like the keyboard design and keycap materials, so users may have a different experience depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch shines with its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation that enhances the tactile experience of every keystroke. This helps to reduce typing fatigue and allows for more controlled typing, making it a pleasurable choice for those who appreciate a bit of resistance. The feel of the Outemu Silver switch is also unspecified, which means there may be a variance in user experience without a definitive descriptor for its tactile characteristics.
Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by its bright auditory feedback and satisfying bouncy feel, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch lacks specific information regarding its sound and feel, so it might provide a more neutral experience depending on personal preference. While users looking for a lively typing experience may lean toward the Lotus switch, those open to experimentation might find value in the Outemu Silver, with the understanding that sound and feel can vary widely with different setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch will largely depend on your preferences for keystroke feel, sound, and the type of keyboard experience you're seeking. If you favor a medium to medium-heavy switch that offers a bouncy and enjoyable keystroke with a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent choice. It suits typists and gamers who appreciate feedback with a pleasant auditory experience, making every key press feel satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force for firmer actuation and don’t mind a less distinct auditory profile, the Outemu Silver linear switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, consider how much you value the tactile feedback and sound profile; if you desire a lively typing experience with a bit of personality, go for the Lotus (Heavy), but if you lean towards a more solid, less colorful keystroke, the Silver will serve you well.
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