Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch. The Blue switch is best known for its tactile feedback and audible click, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Lotus switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a linear feel. While the Blue switch may be preferred for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Lotus switch offers a quieter and more seamless typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus switch has a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both housing materials have their unique aesthetic appeal - polycarbonate's translucency is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting, while nylon is a classic material choice for switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Blue and Lotus switches use nylon. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The split between top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing plays a greater role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between polycarbonate or nylon housing materials catering to different sound preferences.
In summary, the Outemu Blue and Lotus switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue switch produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Lotus switch delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall typing experience with its ability to absorb sound and create a rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharp and resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ultimately enhancing the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Lotus linear switch, which has an actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Lotus requires less force to register a key press, making it lighter in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Lotus has a heavier force of 50 grams while the bottom out force of the Outemu Blue is unknown. This indicates that the Lotus switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and want to type for longer periods of time, the Outemu Lotus switch would be a more suitable option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Outemu Blue switch for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Blue switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Lotus switch, making it slightly more satisfying for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Lotus switch with its shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Blue and Lotus.
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
The Outemu Blue clicky switch is best known for its loud clicky sound, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch is best known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Blue switch produces a distinct click, while the Lotus switch offers a quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, the Blue switch has a tactile bump that is felt upon actuation, providing a noticeable feedback to the typist. Conversely, the Lotus switch offers a linear actuation with no tactile bump, resulting in a smooth and consistent keystroke. Both switches provide different typing experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two. It's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing style when deciding which switch is the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prioritize tactile feedback and a satisfying clicky sound, then the Outemu Blue switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a consistent force and quieter typing experience, then the Outemu Lotus linear switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, noise level, and the type of typing experience you ultimately desire.
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