KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, making it a versatile option for typists looking for a balanced experience. On the other hand, the Lotus is known for its smooth linear action, perfect for those who prefer a consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. While the Mallo offers a neutral sound signature and a subdued typing experience, the Lotus remains silent in terms of feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and Outemu Lotus both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness, while the Lotus's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound with its softer composition. This contrast showcases how different materials can influence the auditory experience of typing on mechanical keyboards. Despite these differences, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This shared feature highlights how certain materials can provide consistent qualities across different keyboards.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Mallo's top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting. The clear housing of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switch, while still offering a distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal, but its focus on creating a fuller sound profile demonstrates a different priority in design. This difference in material choice reflects how manufacturers can prioritize either functionality or aesthetics when designing mechanical keyboards.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note how each component contributes to the sound and feel of the switch. The Mallo's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing may provide a unique balance of sharpness and depth in sound, depending on whether you are pressing a key or releasing it. In contrast, the Lotus's consistent use of nylon housing throughout the switch may result in a more cohesive sound profile across all keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics, as each offers a distinct typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Lotus has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making the Lotus the lighter option in terms of the force required for a key press to reach the bottom. In terms of actuation force, the Mallo's specific measurement is not provided, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams, indicating that the Lotus also requires less force to initiate a key press compared to the Mallo. Therefore, the Lotus is lighter both in terms of actuation force and bottom out force in comparison to the Mallo. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lotus may be the more suitable option, while the Mallo may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and desired force requirements for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Lotus switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Mallo switch. The difference of 0.7 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus switch may provide a faster response time, which is preferred by gamers, while the Mallo switch with the longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
The Outemu Lotus 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 KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral sound profile that provides a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its feathery and mild typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo switch is described as having a subtle tactile feedback that is not overpowering. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Lotus switch is unknown, so a direct comparison based on this aspect cannot be made.
Overall, both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch offer their own unique qualities. The Mallo switch is known for its balanced tactile feedback and feathery feel, while the Lotus switch's qualities remain a mystery. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. If a light actuation force and subtle tactility are desired, the KTT Mallo switch would be a suitable choice. However, if the sound and feel of the Outemu Lotus switch align more with personal preferences, that switch may be the better option. It is important to consider all available information and potentially try out both switches to determine which one best suits individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a gentle tactility, a medium-light typing experience, and a versatile neutral sound signature, the Mallo would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a linear switch without specific characteristics, and a neutral sound profile, the Lotus may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and environment to ensure an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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