HMX Lotus vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the HMX Lotus stands out for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that enhances every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch is known for its silent nature. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus switch may appeal to those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience, while the Outemu Silent White switch may be preferred by individuals who prioritize a quiet typing environment. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent White, one can see distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Lotus's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder effect. In contrast, the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound aesthetics.
The similarities between the Lotus's nylon bottom housing and the Silent White's nylon bottom housing lie in the deeper and fuller sound profile they both produce. Both materials are softer plastics that absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. This shared characteristic contributes to a consistent typing experience between the two switches, despite the differences in their top housing materials. Ultimately, whether the bottom housing is made of nylon or not, the impact on the overall sound profile remains relatively similar.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Understanding how these materials interact with each other can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel. Whether choosing the HMX Lotus with its nylon housing or the Outemu Silent White with its polycarbonate housing, users can expect a unique and satisfying typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them equally responsive for triggering keystrokes. However, the HMX Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Silent White has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the HMX Lotus provides a lighter typing experience overall, which may be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White offers a more substantial push feel due to its heavier bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Silent White's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern keyboard switches, with the Lotus being slightly on the longer side. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance offered by the Silent White, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 White 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 sound of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Lotus switch is best known for its bright, resonant sound, providing a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent White switch's sound quality is not well known. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lotus switch is recognized for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a comfortable typing experience with a super bouncy feeling. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Silent White switch is unknown. It is essential to consider the tactile feedback and actuation force when selecting a switch to ensure the best typing experience for your preferences.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lotus linear switch excels in providing a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy typing experience with its medium weight, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent White linear switch remain unknown. When choosing between these two switches, it is essential to consider both sound and feel preferences to determine which switch will best suit your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results if you are looking for a linear switch with a quieter sound and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and bouncy typing experience with a bright and resonant sound, you may want to choose the HMX Lotus linear switch with its 50g bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a medium 60g bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent White linear switch may be the better option for you. Consider your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Lotus and Outemu Silent White switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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