Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are linear switches, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. The MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus does not have a specific standout feature but is known for its reliable performance. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', the Lotus does not have any specific categories. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and individual typing style. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
Both the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Lotus switches utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Nylon is known for its softer nature compared to harder plastics, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively. As a result, both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a duller and rounder overall acoustics.
However, despite their shared material, there may still be slight differences in the sound and feel between the MX Red and Lotus switches. Since the top and bottom housings can impact the typing experience differently, the distribution of qualities between the two housings may lead to subtle variations in sound profile and tactile feedback. While both switches offer a similar sound quality due to their nylon housing, the way in which the sound is produced and felt could differ slightly based on the specific design of each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Lotus switches may come down to personal preference and fine-tuning of typing experience. While both switches offer a similar nylon housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the slight differences in how the top and bottom housings interact with typing could sway users one way or the other. Ultimately, users looking for a particular typing feel may find that one switch better suits their preferences over the other, even if both switches share the same housing material.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its light actuation force of 45 grams, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. The lack of a specified bottom out force for the MX Red means that it is likely to bottom out easily but with no specific resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it even lighter than the MX Red. However, the Lotus switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a bit more resistance when fully pressing down the keys. This difference in bottom out force may cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In conclusion, while both switches have their own unique characteristics, the MX Red is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Outemu Lotus is lighter in actuation force but heavier in bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for typing experience and key resistance.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Outemu Lotus the shorter of the two switches. The shorter travel distance of the Outemu Lotus may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Cherry MX Red. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distance, with the Cherry MX Red providing a slightly deeper key press compared to the Outemu Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Lotus linear switches, it is important to note that the MX Red is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound characteristics of the Lotus switch. It is crucial to consider that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red is identified as having a textured feel, which means there is noticeable friction when the keys are pressed. This texture may provide a tactile feedback that some users prefer for a more engaging typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Lotus switch. Without specific details, it is challenging to directly compare the feel of the two switches.
In conclusion, based on the information provided, it is clear that the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a robust typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a textured feel. In contrast, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch, including both sound and feel, remain unknown. As a newcomer, if you are looking for a similar experience to the Cherry MX Red, you may expect comparable results with the Outemu Lotus switch, but it is recommended to try them out firsthand to determine which one suits your preferences better.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red would be a great choice for you. It offers a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are open to exploring new options, the Outemu Lotus linear switch with a 50-gram bottom out force could be the better option for you. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch – whether it's the feel, sound, or overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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