Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches known for their smooth and consistent keystrokes. The MX Black, with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, provides a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile while typing, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a low-pitched and stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus offers a sleek and simple design without any specific standout features. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, the MX Black brings a unique sound profile and texture to the table. 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
60g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Black and Outemu Lotus switches both have nylon top and bottom housings, which means that they share similar sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon material in both switches absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This common feature means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either the MX Black or Lotus switches.
However, despite both switches sharing nylon housing material, there may still be subtle differences in the typing experience due to variations in design and construction. The placement of the housing material within the switch can impact the overall typing feel. For example, the bottom housing of a switch will primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have more impact on the sound when releasing a key. These differences in housing design may lead to subtle variations in keypress feedback and overall tactile experience between the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Lotus switches.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Lotus switches feature nylon housing materials that create a fuller sound profile and softer typing experience, the nuances in design and construction may result in slight variations in sound and feel. Users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound due to the shared nylon housing material, but the specific design choices made by each manufacturer may influence the overall typing feel. Ultimately, personal preference and individual typing styles may play a role in determining which switch is preferred by each user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, there is a clear difference in weight. The MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In this case, the Cherry MX Black is the heavier option, while the Outemu Lotus is the lighter one. These differences in weight can greatly impact the typing experience based on individual preferences and usage scenarios. Overall, if you prefer a lighter touch and lighter weight switches, the Outemu Lotus would be the preferred choice, while the Cherry MX Black would be suitable for those who prefer a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Lotus switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the MX Black switch. The MX Black's 4 mm travel distance falls in the more traditional range, providing a slightly deeper key press feel, while the Lotus's 3.3 mm travel distance offers a shallower feel that may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a good balance between depth and responsiveness, but the Lotus switch may be more suited for those seeking a quicker key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Lotus comes in at $3.10.
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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is well-known for its low-pitched and deep sound profile, which is characteristic of switches with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus linear switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case, keycaps, and typing technique.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff, offering a noticeable friction when pressed and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate compared to other switches. Some users prefer the textured feel of these switches, while others may find it to be too stiff for their preference. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is a solid choice. However, if you are considering the Outemu Lotus switch, it is recommended to try it out firsthand to determine if it aligns with your sound and feel preferences. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for your typing experience, so experimenting with different switches is key to finding the perfect fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Choose the Cherry MX Black if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, a deep sound profile, and a textured smoothness during typing. The Cherry MX Black is also known for its low-pitched sound and stiff feel. On the other hand, opt for the Outemu Lotus if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The Lotus switch does not have as much information available on its sound and feel characteristics, so it may be best for those who prefer a more experimental approach to switches. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force requirements.
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