Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch. The Outemu Brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a physical bump when the key is actuated, making it ideal for touch typists or those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus switch is best known for its smooth and consistent linear feel, offering a more seamless keystroke experience without any tactile feedback. While the Brown switch may be favored for its tactile response, the Lotus switch is often chosen for its linear feel. 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
53g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and Outemu Lotus switches, it is evident that there are some significant differences. The Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This allows for a more clear and resonant sound, especially when using RGB lighting. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Lotus switch.
Furthermore, the differences between the bottom housing materials of the two switches also contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Brown's nylon bottom housing, like the Lotus, offers a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the impact of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon bottom housing only reinforces the already deep and full sound of the switch, creating a consistent typing experience throughout.
Overall, while the Outemu Brown and Outemu Lotus switches have different housing materials, they both provide unique sound profiles based on the combination of top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brown creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the Lotus offers a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Brown or a fuller sound with the Lotus, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Lotus linear switch. The Brown switch has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in weight. In contrast, the Lotus switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classified as light. Some users may prefer the lighter weight of the Lotus switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may favor the heavier weight of the Brown switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Lotus offers a shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both options have their advantages depending on personal preference; if you enjoy a more substantial key press, go for the Brown, but if you prefer a quicker response, the Lotus might be the better choice. Ultimately, the travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience and should be considered when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for producing a soft and subtle noise, making it suitable for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch is known for being even quieter, with a smooth and almost silent keystroke. Both switches offer a more discreet typing experience compared to clicky switches, but the Lotus is slightly quieter than the Brown.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch provides a tactile bump that gives users feedback when a key is actuated, offering a satisfying typing experience. On the contrary, the Outemu Lotus linear switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, providing a consistent and linear feel when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Brown providing tactile feedback and the Lotus offering a smoother keystroke without any bump.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump, the Outemu Brown tactile switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a smooth and silent keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Lotus linear switch would be more fitting. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Brown tactile switch or the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Brown would be a better choice with its 65-gram force. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Outemu Lotus with its 50-gram force would be more suitable. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns more with your typing experience preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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