Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Lotus are two popular options to consider. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch that is highly praised for its rapid response time, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick reaction times. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus is also a linear switch but lacks specific standout features in comparison to the MX Speed Silver. While the MX Speed Silver is known for its textured feel, thocky sound, and low pitch, the Lotus does not have any distinct characteristics highlighted. Both switches offer a smooth linear action, but the MX Speed Silver stands out for its low spring resistance and instant triggering capabilities. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and the Outemu Lotus utilize nylon as the material for both their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for absorbing sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. The use of nylon in both switches also implies that they will have a relatively softer feel to them compared to switches made with harder plastic materials. Overall, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel with both the MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Lotus due to their shared use of nylon housing material.
While both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Lotus share the use of nylon for their top and bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each housing may vary slightly between the two switches. This could result in subtle differences in sound and feel when typing on each switch. However, the overall impact of the nylon housing material on the typing experience is likely to be quite similar between the two switches. Users looking for a switch with a softer, more absorbent sound profile can expect to find satisfaction with either the MX Speed Silver or the Outemu Lotus.
In conclusion, the similarities in the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Lotus offer users a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. While there may be slight differences in the design and construction of their housings, the overall impact on the typing experience is likely to be minimal. Ultimately, users can expect a similar level of typing satisfaction from both switches due to their shared use of nylon housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force at 30 grams, compared to the Lotus at 35 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lotus at 50 grams is heavier than the MX Speed Silver, where the force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Speed Silver would be the preferred choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches would ultimately depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch both offer shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. The MX Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches cater to users looking for faster response times, with the MX Speed Silver being slightly longer in distance. Gamers may prefer the Cherry MX Speed Silver for its slightly longer travel distance, which offers a bit more depth to the keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Outemu Lotus with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of performance, with the main difference lying in the subtle variation in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying noise with each press. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus switch. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured feel, which can provide additional feedback and tactile sensation during typing. Conversely, there is no information provided regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Lotus switch. It's essential to consider personal preferences when it comes to the tactile experience of a switch, as some users may prefer a smoother typing experience while others may prefer a more textured feel.
Overall, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a quick and responsive linear action suitable for gamers seeking faster inputs, along with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile and a textured feel. While specific details about the Outemu Lotus switch are not available, if you enjoy the qualities of the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch, you may find similar results in terms of speed and responsiveness. Additionally, experimenting with different keyboards and keycap combinations can further enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Lotus linear switches, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are a gamer looking for maximum speed and rapid response, the MX Speed Silver with its low spring resistance and instant triggering may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Lotus switch with its 50-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences for speed, sound, and feel.
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