HMX Lotus vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch. The Lotus switch, known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, offers a super bouncy feeling that can make typing a delight. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch is famous for its tactile feedback and audible click sound, providing a satisfying response with every keystroke. While the Lotus switch may be preferred for its smooth keystrokes, the Green switch stands out for its distinct clicky sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Green, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles due to their respective materials. The Lotus, with its nylon top housing, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Green, with its polycarbonate top housing, creates a sharper and crisper sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the sound experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Lotus and the Green utilize nylon material. This means that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile from the bottom housing of both switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the similarity in bottom housing material, differences in sound profile can still be attributed to the top housing material, highlighting the importance of considering both components when evaluating switch performance.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Green ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While the Lotus offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housings, the Green provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches demonstrate the impact that housing materials can have on sound quality, showing how different materials can create unique auditory experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether one prefers a softer, rounder sound or a sharper, more resonant sound, either switch offers a distinct typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Lotus being lighter and the Green being heavier. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Green has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Lotus will require less force to trigger a keystroke and press all the way down compared to the Green. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Lotus, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing too much strain. On the other hand, the Green switch is more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide different tactile feedback based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their personal preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lotus switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Green switch. The 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in terms of feel and response. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker keystrokes, while those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience may opt for a switch with a longer travel distance. Both switches offer reliable performance, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
The Outemu Green 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 linear switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound. These switches provide a super bouncy feeling that can make typing a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch's sound and feel characteristics are not specified in the information provided. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare the subjective qualities of the two switches in terms of sound and feel. However, it is generally understood that clicky switches like the Outemu Green tend to have a more tactile and audible feedback compared to linear switches like the HMX Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If the Green switch has a similar tactile feedback as other clicky switches, users can expect a more pronounced clicky sound and a more tactile typing experience than the smoother linear feel of the Lotus switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a light actuation force and a bouncy feel with a bright, resonant sound, you should choose the HMX Lotus linear switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a clicky sound, the Outemu Green clicky switch would be the better option for you. Remember to consider your personal preferences for typing experience when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision between the Lotus and the Green will come down to whether you prioritize a lighter touch or a heavier, clicky feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.