KTT Orange vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and Outemu Lotus linear switches stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The KTT Orange switch is favored for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. With a 22mm long spring, polycarbonate milky top housing, and excellent factory-lubing, this switch promises smooth and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch does not have specific standout features mentioned, offering a more neutral typing experience. The decision between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and 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
46g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Outemu Lotus, it is clear that they both offer distinct sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Orange's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Lotus's nylon top and bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Orange leads to a more clear and resonant sound, whereas the softer nylon of the Lotus absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Orange's polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon housing is a classic option that offers a different tactile experience. The choice between the two housing materials ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound profile and feel. Both switches are designed to deliver a unique typing experience, with the housing material playing a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and tactile feedback of the switch.
While the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Outemu Lotus differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing in each switch allow for a combination of sharpness and depth in sound, depending on which material is used where. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Orange or the fuller sound of nylon in the Lotus, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring only 35 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams. However, the Lotus switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Orange requires 53 grams to bottom out. This means that while the Lotus switch may feel lighter to type on initially, it may provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down compared to the Orange switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Lotus switch, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Orange switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the KTT Orange has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Lotus. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, you may prefer the KTT Orange. However, some users find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, so if you prefer a deeper key press, the Outemu Lotus with its slightly shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to compare them in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Orange switch is praised for its bouncy and frictionless qualities, offering a spring-like sensation and an extremely smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This combination of bouncy feedback and smooth key travel gives users a pleasant rebound effect when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus switch's feel characteristics are not specified, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
Considering the information available, the KTT Orange linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile, bouncy feel, and frictionless typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch remain unknown, it's important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Orange switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a different typing experience, you may want to opt for the Outemu Lotus switch. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of force, feel, and sound. Make sure to test both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style best.
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