HMX Lotus vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch to the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that each switch offers unique qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to consider. The HMX Lotus is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom-out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch does not have any standout features mentioned, but it is known to offer a smooth linear typing experience. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Red switches offer different sound profiles due to their distinct properties. The Lotus's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic composition. While the Lotus offers a duller and rounder sound, the Red delivers a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Both the Lotus and the Red switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that typing on switches using either the Lotus or the Red will elicit a consistent sound experience with a deep and full tone. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as in the Lotus and the Red, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the typing experience when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials allows for a unique sound profile for each switch, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch are quite different. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams, while the bottom out force of the Lotus is also lighter at 50 grams compared to the Red's heavier 62 grams. This means that typing on the Lotus switch will feel lighter and require less force than typing on the Red switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lotus, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Red's 4 mm. This means that the Lotus will provide a slightly quicker response time when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Lotus due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Red switch offers a slightly deeper key press experience with its 4 mm travel distance. This may be more appealing to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Red 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
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch with the Outemu Red linear switch, the sound produced differs significantly. The Lotus switch offers a bright, resonant sound that adds a pleasant auditory element to typing, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Red switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch is praised for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a comfortable typing experience with a super bouncy feeling. Meanwhile, the Outemu Red linear switch lacks specific information about its feel, making it challenging to evaluate how it compares to the Lotus in this regard.
Taking all available information into consideration, it is clear that the HMX Lotus linear switch stands out for its bright, resonant sound and comfortable medium weight of 50g bottom out, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Outemu Red linear switch lacks specific details on sound and feel, it is likely that users can expect similar results to the Lotus if a bouncy feeling and bright, resonant sound are desired. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the HMX Lotus linear switch versus the Outemu Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bright, resonant sound with a bouncy feeling, the HMX Lotus linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and prioritize a different aspect such as durability or a specific typing feel, the Outemu Red linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to carefully consider your priorities when making a decision between the two.
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