HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Spring Breeze

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to tactile feel and auditory feedback, making the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Spring Breeze two intriguing options. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a linear switch experience characterized by its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, delivering a smooth and bouncy keystroke that many gamers and typists appreciate, alongside a bright, resonant sound that adds a pleasing auditory layer to each press. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze presents a clicky switch option, known for providing a pronounced tactile feedback and an audible “click” sound that can enhance typing accuracy and user satisfaction. Opting for Lotus may appeal to those seeking a more streamlined and uninterrupted typing experience, while the Spring Breeze is likely to attract users who enjoy feedback and engagement with each keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Spring Breeze, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material contributes similarly to the overall sound profile and tactile experience when typing. Nylon’s inherently softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, which results in a deeper, fuller auditory feedback. Consequently, both switches create a softer, rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. The shared material suggests that users can expect a comparable auditory ambiance from both switches, making them suitable for typists who favor muted key presses.

In addition to their sound consistency, the nylon housings of both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Spring Breeze influence the feel of the switches in notable ways. Since both switches feature nylon as their main housing material, the sought-after characteristics—such as the smoothness of the keystroke and responsiveness—are likely to be similar. The impact of the nylon bottom housing will play a significant role in the bottom-out feeling, essentially defining how the switch feels when pressed fully. The consistent use of nylon suggests that either switch will provide a satisfying tactile experience, making either suitable for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions.

The potential downside of using the same material in both switches, however, is the lack of unique sound or tactile differentiation that different materials could provide. While the shared nylon composition creates a harmonious sound profile, users seeking varied experiences might find this uniformity less exciting. If differences were to exist in the characteristics of the top and bottom housings—such as other materials like polycarbonate or POM—the resulting auditory and tactile feedback could be more diversified. For now, with both switches composed entirely of nylon, those seeking a soft, rounded sound experience will likely find satisfaction with either the HMX Lotus (Heavy) or the Outemu Spring Breeze, albeit without the variations that alternative materials might introduce.

Weight

The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch, suitable for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This makes the Spring Breeze an excellent choice for those seeking a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended periods of use or prolonged gaming sessions. In summary, if you favor a heavier push feel, the Lotus (Heavy) might be the better option, while the Outemu Spring Breeze appeals to those who appreciate a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, the Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Spring Breeze has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights the distinct preferences between users: the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Lotus (Heavy) can provide a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel of the Spring Breeze offers a more traditional and deeper pressing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Thus, if you favor quick responses, the Lotus (Heavy) is the better option, whereas if you prefer a hearty depth with your keystrokes, the Spring Breeze would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that contributes to an engaging auditory experience when typing. The clear acoustics enhance the tactile nature of each keystroke, giving users a satisfying aural feedback that makes typing pleasurable. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch doesn't have specific sound qualities detailed, which leaves its acoustic profile somewhat unknown. However, clicky switches typically offer a more pronounced and distinct "click" sound when activated, making them ideal for those who enjoy auditory cues during typing.

When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by its medium-heavy weighting of 62.5g, which creates a super bouncy sensation. This buoyancy enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel delightfully responsive. Conversely, there is no specific information provided about the feel of the Spring Breeze switch; thus, it remains a mystery. However, clicky switches often deliver a unique tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience, but without detailed attributes for the Spring Breeze, a direct comparison is difficult.

In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is well-regarded for its satisfying sound and responsive feel, making it a great choice for those who appreciate an engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Spring Breeze, with its clicky character, may appeal to users who prefer an audible feedback with each keystroke, though specific details about its sound and feel are not available. As such, while the Lotus offers a definitive auditory and tactile pleasure, the Spring Breeze could still be a suitable choice for click enthusiasts, though they won't have the same level of clarity in perception until further information is known.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a bouncy, satisfying feel and don't mind a slightly heavier actuation force, the Lotus (Heavy) would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams provides a solid bottom-out experience, making it ideal for gamers or typists who appreciate precision and feedback without excessive fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch combined with a distinct audible click, the Spring Breeze is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, this switch will cater to those who seek a more responsive action and enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky sound with each keystroke. In essence, consider the Lotus for a robust and lively experience, while the Spring Breeze is suited for a quicker, more dynamic typing style. Reflect on your typing habits and comfort to make the best selection for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more