Outemu Lotus vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Milk Blue offer distinct typing experiences. The Lotus is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, the Milk Blue is a clicky switch, offering a satisfying click sound with each key press, along with a tactile bump for added feedback. If you prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience, the Lotus may be the better choice. However, if you enjoy the audible and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Milk Blue could be more to your liking. 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
35g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Lotus and Outemu Milk Blue switches both feature nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This allows for a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. However, the Lotus has a nylon top housing, while the Milk Blue has a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in materials leads to different sound profiles, with the Lotus having a deeper sound compared to the crisper and sharper sound produced by the Milk Blue.
In terms of aesthetics, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing allows for a clear housing, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucency. Both switches' nylon bottom housings contribute to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on these switches. Overall, the different top housing materials in the Lotus and Milk Blue switches contribute to distinct sound profiles that cater to varying preferences.
While the Lotus and Milk Blue switches both use nylon for their bottom housings, providing similar attributes of a deeper and fuller sound profile, their contrasting top housing materials result in different sound characteristics. The Lotus's nylon top housing offers a softer and more absorbent material, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. These differences in housing materials make each switch unique in its sound output and cater to different preferences based on the desired typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's actuation force of 50 grams, making the Lotus easier to press down. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when fully pressed. Those who prefer a lighter keystroke may opt for the Lotus, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Milk Blue clicky switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch provides a more hearty depth due to its longer travel distance. Both options offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences. For those looking for a similar experience in terms of travel distance, the Lotus and Milk Blue switches may offer similar results despite their slight difference in distances. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Lotus and Milk Blue.
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 Lotus linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying click sound with each key press. The Lotus switch provides a smooth and consistent feel without any tactile feedback, while the Milk Blue switch offers a tactile bump before the audible click for a more pronounced typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lotus linear switch is praised for its smooth key presses without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch provides a tactile bump and audible click with each keystroke, giving users a more tactile and satisfying typing feel.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Lotus switch provides a quiet and smooth linear feel, while the Milk Blue switch offers a loud and tactile clicky experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you are looking for a smooth and consistent feel with a light bottom out force, the Lotus switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the audible feedback and tactile response of a clicky switch, the Milk Blue switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize smoothness or audible feedback in your keyboard experience.
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