HMX Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Ocean are two popular options to consider. The Lotus is a linear switch known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean is also a linear switch, designed for its silent operation. While the Lotus offers a unique tactile feedback and an audible click, the Silent Ocean provides a quiet typing experience suitable for environments where noise is a concern. Each switch has its own set of advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Ocean differ significantly in terms of their top housing materials. The Lotus comes with a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic. While both materials serve their purposes well, the nylon top housing of the Lotus is more inclined towards creating a mellower sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean offers a more distinct and vibrant sound experience.
In contrast, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Ocean share the same nylon material. This classic switch housing material brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer properties. Therefore, regardless of the differences in other housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent and uniform sound experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. This similarity in the bottom housing materials between the two switches highlights the importance of the mechanical properties of the housing material in determining the overall typing experience.
Overall, the differences in the housing materials between the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Ocean play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Lotus with its nylon top and bottom housings offers a mellower and fuller sound experience, the Silent Ocean with its polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent and deep sound profile for both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics and typing feel.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light to the touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams, while the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making it heavier. The difference in bottom out force means that while both switches will feel relatively similar when initiating a keystroke, the Silent Ocean will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. The Lotus, on the other hand, offers a lighter touch that may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. The traditional travel distance is around 4.0 mm, so the Silent Ocean falls within that range while the Lotus is slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Lotus for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Ocean with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences due to their travel distances, catering to different preferences in the typing and gaming communities.
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 Ocean 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 best known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned. In terms of sound, the Lotus switch is likely to produce a more vibrant and audible sound compared to the Silent Ocean. However, since sound can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, the actual experience may vary. When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch is known for offering a delightful typing experience with its bouncy feeling, while there is no specific information available about the feel of the Silent Ocean switch. Ultimately, if the feel and sound qualities of these switches are similar, users can expect a comparable typing experience regardless of which one they choose. It is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as sound level, tactility, and smoothness when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force and key feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound, then the HMX Lotus switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Ocean switch can be a good option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you. So, choose the switch that best suits your typing style and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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