HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Tom each offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) is a linear switch characterized by its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, providing users with a super bouncy feeling that makes every keystroke a delight, complemented by a bright, resonant sound. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Tom, being a tactile switch, offers a subtle bump at the actuation point that signals a keystroke has been registered, catering to users who derive satisfaction from a pronounced tactile feedback while typing. This can enhance typing accuracy and overall satisfaction for those who prefer a more traditional feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Tom, it becomes clear that there are significant differences in their top housings, while the bottom housings share the same material. The Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and more rounded sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound better than harder plastics. In contrast, the Outemu Tom utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper auditory experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, giving users a different auditory feedback when typing. Aesthetic considerations also play a role; polycarbonate's translucency enhances RGB lighting effects, which can play a substantial part in keyboard design.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Tom employ nylon materials. This shared choice means that users can expect similar performance characteristics in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out the switch. As nylon is a softer plastic, it results in a fuller and deeper sound produced during key presses. The nylon bottom housing's ability to absorb sound contributes to a cohesive auditory experience, making both switches feel less jarring under bottom-out conditions. This similarity can create a sense of consistency for users who switch between the two keyboards, especially in terms of the tactile feedback when keys are fully engaged.
Ultimately, the difference in top housing materials between the Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Tom suggests that while they may produce distinct sound profiles during typing, the overall user experience can still maintain a level of consistency due to their shared nylon bottom housings. Each typing experience will be a blend of both the top housing's properties, which dictates the release sound and resonance, and the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out feel. Users looking for nuanced auditory feedback may prefer one over the other based on taste, yet both switches are designed to provide a fundamentally satisfying and rich typing experience through the synergy of nylon's acoustic properties in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we find some similarities and notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 55 grams, which means they will provide a similar trigger feel when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the HMX Lotus is measured at 62.5 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more effort to fully depress the switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom's bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of information leaves a gap for a definitive comparison on how it feels when bottoming out. Consequently, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option overall due to its bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys, like those who type for extended periods or engage in intensive gaming. Meanwhile, the Outemu Tom may appeal to those seeking an undisclosed tactile experience, though its unspecified bottom out force prevents a clear distinction between the two in terms of overall weight and responsiveness.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm indicates that the Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a deeper press, which may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced keystroke feel. In contrast, the Outemu Tom's shorter travel distance could provide a quicker response time for gamers preferring a more responsive experience. Given the designs, both switches reflect the growing trend towards shorter travel distances for enhanced speed, but the Lotus (Heavy) maintains a traditional depth that may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Lotus (Heavy) is the longer option at 3.5 mm, making it more suitable for users who prefer depth in their keystrokes.
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 Tom 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
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that enhances the auditory experience of typing. This characteristic makes the switch stand out, contributing to a more lively and engaging atmosphere. Sound quality can greatly vary based on the keyboard's construction, including the choice of board and keycaps, but the inherent nature of the Lotus (Heavy) is to deliver a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to many other switch types. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks a specific sound profile description, leaving its auditory characteristics less defined. While one may assume it produces a different sound, enhancing that auditory signature will largely depend on the board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offering a super bouncy sensation that makes each keystroke enjoyable and responsive. This feedback can inspire a confident typing rhythm, making it particularly appealing for gamers and typists alike. Conversely, no specific description of the feel is provided for the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which means its tactile response and actuation force remain uncertain. This lack of defined characteristics means that typing experience could vary widely based on personal preferences and hand ergonomics.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is celebrated for its bright sound and delightful bouncy feel, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks defined attributes in both sound and feel. If you are looking for a more engaging auditory and tactile typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) is a compelling choice. However, with the Tom switch, the potential remains for a unique experience, albeit one that is undefined. If tactile feedback or sound quality is a significant factor for you, the Lotus (Heavy) is more predictable, whereas the Tom may present an opportunity for exploration in the realm of keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a slightly heavier key feel and enjoy a pronounced tactile response without any bumps, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is an excellent choice, as its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 62.5g provides a satisfying resistance and a super bouncy sensation that makes every keystroke enjoyable. This switch is particularly beneficial for those who engage in intense typing sessions or gaming, as the satisfying feedback can enhance both speed and accuracy. Conversely, if you prefer a softer touch and a highly tactile experience that should provide distinct feedback with each press, you may want to explore options similar to the Outemu Tom. While specific details about the Tom switch are currently unavailable, typically, tactile switches cater to users looking for a more pronounced signal when a key actuates, which can be advantageous for typing and traditional gaming contexts. Ultimately, consider your typing style, comfort level with key resistance, and whether you prefer a linear or tactile experience to guide your decision in choosing between these two switches.
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