HMX Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Lotus linear switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke, making typing a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch offers a silent typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. While the Lotus switch brings a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Silent Green switch focuses on quietness and smoothness. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Green both feature different housing materials for their switches, with the Lotus utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Silent Green uses polycarbonate for both components. The nylon housing of the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Silent Green allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the overall visual appeal of the switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Lotus and the Silent Green differ in material, they both play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Lotus contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green adds to the sharp and crisp sound profile, influencing the feeling of pressing the switch. The top housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a more pronounced effect on the sound produced when releasing a key, highlighting the differences in sound profiles between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Green comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The nylon housing of the Lotus offers a softer, more rounded sound profile, while the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green provides a sharper, more resonant sound experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities and characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Whether typing on switches with nylon or polycarbonate housings, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles that set each switch apart.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have different bottom out forces, with the Lotus being lighter at 50 grams compared to the Silent Green's 60 grams. Both switches have the same actuation force at 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. The Lotus offers a lighter overall feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Silent Green offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing intensity.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Green linear switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The Lotus offers a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who require quick reflexes. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distance, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus keypress feel. Ultimately, the Lotus is the shorter option while the Silent Green is the longer one.
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 Silent 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 bright, resonant sound, providing a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have any specific sound characteristics mentioned, which could indicate a quieter typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, giving it a bouncy feeling that adds to the typing experience. The feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing on quality, the Outemu Silent Green switch might be worth considering. Keep in mind that individual preferences vary, so it is recommended to try out both switches if possible to see which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, bright sound with each keystroke, the HMX Lotus switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider what feels most comfortable to you and what type of sound profile you enjoy, and make your decision based on that. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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