HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Yellow Silver present two compelling but distinct options, each catering to different user preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) impresses with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offering a bouncy and satisfying keystroke experience complemented by a bright, resonant sound. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy a more pronounced auditory response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it particularly attractive for gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness without distraction. While the Lotus switch excites with its unique auditory experience, the Yellow Silver emphasizes efficiency and subtlety in operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s ideal for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Yellow Silver, a clear distinction arises in their design principles that affect both sound and feel. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound waves and creates a more muted auditory experience. Contrastingly, the Outemu Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a clearer and more resonant sound, which is particularly beneficial if one values vibrant auditory feedback when typing.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, ensuring a consistent influence on the feel and overall sound profile. This shared use of nylon means that both switches will exhibit similar characteristics when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer material of the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, leading to a deep and rich hitting moment, which is appreciated by users who favor a subtler keystroke. Hence, regardless of the differences in the top housing, both switches can produce a similar depth in sound at the point of key press, thanks to their nylon bottoms.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials dictates the overall typing experience. The combination of a nylon bottom housing with a polycarbonate top in the Outemu Yellow Silver yields a unique hybrid sound profile, where the resonating qualities of the polycarbonate create clarity during release, balanced by the depth of the nylon bottom at the moment of key engagement. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) maintains a homogenous sound profile throughout its typing experience, driven solely by its nylon materials. Thus, the choice between these two switches rests on an individual’s preference for sound characteristics: whether one desires the crispness of polycarbonate or the richness of nylon is central to their overall satisfaction with each product.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, resulting in a heavier feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The differences in these forces suggest that the Outemu Yellow Silver is the lighter switch, making it more suitable for comfort during long periods of use. Meanwhile, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a heftier feeling, ideal for users who appreciate a firmer push. Thus, while both switches fall into the medium category for bottom out force, their actuation forces highlight a clear preference for each type, aligning well with individual tastes in keyboard experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the differences are notable. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option that may appeal to those seeking a more responsive feel during gameplay. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper key presses, providing a more substantial tactile experience. Therefore, if you're looking for quicker response times, the Lotus (Heavy) would be preferable, while the Yellow Silver might be better suited for users who favor a more deliberate and hearty depth in their keystrokes. Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance, while the Outemu Yellow Silver provides 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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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) switch produces a bright, resonant sound that is both pronounced and engaging, making it a delight for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback from their keystrokes. This sound profile can offer an invigorating typing experience that feels alive and responsive. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile. This neutrality ensures that the auditory experience remains unobtrusive, making the switch versatile for various environments, whether it’s at work or home. The sound might not elicit excitement, but it provides a balanced acoustic backdrop that can be appreciated by both gamers and typists looking for a quieter setup.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch boasts a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, imparting a super bouncy sensation that adds to the satisfaction of each keypress. This responsive tactile feedback could enhance the typing experience, making it enjoyable for users who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch features a lighter actuation force, which is optimal for speed and responsiveness. This lightness can be particularly beneficial for gamers who need quick key presses, allowing for rapid responses in competitive situations. The differing weights between the two offer individuals the chance to choose according to their preferences in typing sensations.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Yellow Silver switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to varied user preferences. The Lotus switch’s bright sound and bouncy feel align with those who enjoy a more robust typing experience, while the Yellow Silver provides a more subdued sound and lighter action for speed-focused applications. Depending on your priorities—whether they lean toward audible feedback and resistance or toward speed and subtlety—both switches are designed to offer comparable satisfaction through their unique qualities.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Yellow Silver switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a more tactile experience with a slight resistance and enjoy the auditory feedback of a bright sound, the Lotus (Heavy) switch might be the one for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams provides a satisfying bounce, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke when typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, particularly for fast-paced gaming or swift typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch with its lighter 55-gram actuation force could suit you better. The neutral sound profile and lightweight feel are perfect for environments where you may want to maintain focus without distraction, making it a versatile option for both casual usage and professional settings. Thus, by aligning your choice with your specific needs and preferences, you can enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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