Outemu Gold vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and Outemu Lotus are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Gold switch is a clicky switch, providing a tactile and audible feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus switch is a linear switch, offering a smoother keystroke without the audible click. The Gold switch is favored by users who enjoy the satisfying click sound and precise feedback, while the Lotus switch is preferred by those who prefer a quieter and more consistent 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
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
The Outemu Gold and Outemu Lotus switches both feature unique top and bottom housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Gold's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a higher-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more rounded typing experience. While the Gold's top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Lotus's top housing focuses on absorption and sound depth.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Gold and Lotus switches feature nylon, a material known for its ability to elicit deeper and fuller sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a more immersive and satisfying typing experience due to the enhanced sound quality. While the Gold and Lotus switches utilize the same material for their bottom housings, the slight differences in design and overall build may result in a slightly varied typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Gold and Outemu Lotus switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The Gold's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, providing a consistent and immersive typing experience regardless of the specific model chosen. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both the Gold and Lotus switches offer quality housing materials that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus is the lighter option. The Gold has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is a lighter option. The Gold switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Lotus provides a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have distinct characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the Gold switch is heavier, while the Lotus switch is lighter, offering different typing experiences to cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Outemu Gold has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Lotus. The longer travel distance of the Gold switch may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback when typing, giving users a greater sense of keypress depth. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times and a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a different typing experience, but users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is known for its satisfying click sound that offers a tactile feedback, making it popular among those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch is favored for its smooth and consistent keystrokes without the audible click, providing a quieter typing experience ideal for those who prefer a more subtle feel. When it comes to sound, the Gold switch produces a loud click while the Lotus switch remains quiet, allowing for a more discreet typing experience depending on personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is appreciated for its tactile feedback and distinct bump during actuation, providing a more tactile typing experience that some find more satisfying. Conversely, the Outemu Lotus linear switch is lauded for its smooth keystrokes with no resistance, offering a seamless typing experience that some prefer for long typing sessions. Depending on individual preference, the Gold switch offers a more tactile feel, while the Lotus switch provides a smoother typing experience without the tactile feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in typing experience. While the Gold switch is known for its loud click sound and tactile feedback, the Lotus switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience without the tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. It is important to consider factors such as typing style, desired noise level, and overall typing preferences when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Gold switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Lotus switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you as you type.
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