HMX Lotus vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Milk Blue offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Lotus, a linear switch, boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out and delivers a bright, resonant sound that enhances the typing experience with a satisfying bounce, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize smooth keystrokes and fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue, categorized as a clicky switch, provides audible feedback with every keystroke, allowing typists to enjoy a tactile response that many find satisfying, particularly for typing long documents or enjoying the rhythm of each click. While the Lotus is perfect for users looking for a quieter, smoother feel, the Milk Blue caters to those who revel in the auditory and tactile sensations of each press. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 and the Outemu Milk Blue, significant differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The HMX Lotus utilizes nylon for its top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller audio signature. This softer plastic not only contributes to a muted and rounder sound profile but also enhances the user experience with a subtler typing feel. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer properties of polycarbonate allow for a more resonant and clear acoustic feedback, which contrasts with the plush, cushioned experience offered by the Lotus. This distinction in materials creates fundamental differences in how users will perceive sound when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Milk Blue employ nylon material. This commonality in the bottom housing results in a similarly rich and deep sound profile. Given that the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out feel and sound when a key is pressed, both switches share a level of sonic uniformity in this aspect. The nylon construction here ensures that both switches deliver a rounded auditory experience upon key actuation, providing typists with a consistent sensation that is appreciated by many users, regardless of which switch they choose.
Ultimately, the composition of the top and bottom housings of the HMX Lotus and Outemu Milk Blue leads to unique auditory characteristics driven by their material differences. Where the Lotus leans towards a softer, fuller sound due to its nylon top, the Milk Blue’s polycarbonate top delivers a crisper, higher sound profile. However, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a bridge between the two switches, allowing for similar base experiences when pressed down. Therefore, while both switches can create enjoyable and distinctive typing experiences, the choice between them will largely come down to personal preference for sound profile, with the unique combination of materials shaping the overall response of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we see a difference in their actuation forces that affects their overall feel and usability. The Lotus features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods, which is ideal for those who prefer a more comfortable experience during long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, thus delivering a more substantial push feel that some users may find more satisfying during typing. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of its full tactile experience. Overall, while both switches provide distinct typing experiences, the HMX Lotus is the lighter option, which may appeal to users seeking less strain during prolonged use, while the Outemu Milk Blue's heavier actuation force caters to those who appreciate a firmer feedback in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, there is a notable difference. The Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Milk Blue boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with more traditional preferences. This difference means that users of the Lotus may experience slightly swifter key presses, which can be beneficial for gaming and achieving faster response times. Conversely, the Milk Blue, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying, as it offers a deeper and potentially more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, those who favor responsiveness might lean towards the Lotus, while those who prefer a more substantial feel would likely opt for the Milk Blue.
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 Milk Blue 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 switch produces a bright and resonant auditory experience that many users find enjoyable. This clarity in sound can enhance the overall typing experience, giving it a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch does not have a well-documented sound profile available. However, given that it is a clicky switch, one might expect a distinct and sharper sound compared to linear options, but specifics are unclear.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch features a medium actuation force of 50g, resulting in a super bouncy sensation that makes each keystroke feel lively and responsive. This bounce adds to the tactile enjoyment of typing, making it appealing for users who appreciate a dynamic feel. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch is not explicitly defined in the provided information, leaving it uncertain how it compares to the Lotus in terms of tactile feedback and resistance.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright sound and a bouncy feel, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch lacks detailed information, particularly regarding its sound and feel, which leaves it hard to fully assess in comparison. If you seek a satisfying auditory and tactile response, the Lotus stands out, while the Milk Blue may warrant further exploration to determine its offerings.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a smooth, bouncy keystroke without any tactile feedback, the HMX Lotus switch is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for quick, effortless typing, making it ideal for extended writing sessions or gaming where speed and accuracy are paramount. The sound, while not explicitly described, is generally known to be pleasant for those who prefer a quieter environment without the overt click associated with some other switches. On the other hand, if you thrive on auditory feedback and tactile responses while you type, you may want to opt for the Outemu Milk Blue switch. Though details on its specifications were unavailable, blue switches are typically known for their distinctive, powerful click and tactile bump that many find satisfying and energizing. This makes them excellent for typing where you benefit from a definitive response but might not be best suited for quieter settings or environments where noise could be an issue. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style and how much feedback you desire from your keyboard.
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