Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Lotus both offer a linear typing experience but with distinct characteristics. The Cherry Nixie is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. With a classification of 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Nixie provides a blend of tradition and modern innovation. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus, while lacking specific recognition, is a linear switch that offers a different feel compared to the Nixie. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Lotus both utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in a similar effect on the sound profile of the switches. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder materials. This characteristic gives both switches a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Nixie or the Lotus.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Lotus are both made of nylon, they play different roles in influencing the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, as it comes into direct contact with the switch plate. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. Despite these differences, the nylon material in both the top and bottom housings contributes to creating a consistent typing experience for users of either switch.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Lotus offer similar sound profiles due to the use of nylon in their housing materials. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. While the top and bottom housings may have slightly different impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switches, the use of nylon ensures a cohesive and consistent typing experience across both switches. Ultimately, users can expect comparable performance from both the Nixie and the Lotus in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it becomes evident that there is a significant difference in weight. The Nixie requires 63.5 grams of actuation force and 80 grams of bottom out force, making it heavier compared to the Lotus which only needs 35 grams of actuation force and 50 grams of bottom out force, indicating a lighter feel. The Nixie offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Lotus provides a lighter typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces in a mechanical keyboard.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear 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 Outemu Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry Nixie. The shorter travel distance of the Outemu Lotus may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as it allows for faster key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Cherry Nixie may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer different travel distances, so users can select the one that best suits their needs and typing preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch is well-known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, information about the sound characteristics of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is not available. Keep in mind 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 Nixie linear switch is described as having a textured feel, offering users noticeable friction when typing. This texture can enhance the typing experience for some individuals who prefer a tactile sensation while pressing the keys. Unfortunately, details regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are not provided.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Cherry Nixie linear switch stands out for its distinct sound profile and textured feel, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts. While information about the Outemu Lotus linear switch is limited, it is important to consider personal preferences and other factors when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, but individual preferences and typing styles will ultimately determine the best choice for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you're looking for. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, then the Cherry Nixie switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are not concerned about the sound or feel descriptors mentioned, the Outemu Lotus switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and what kind of typing experience you value most.
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