Outemu Lotus vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and Outemu Milk Tea offer unique typing experiences. The Lotus is a linear switch with a smooth key press and consistent feel, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers looking for a sleek and responsive option. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying tactile bump when the key is actuated, offering a more tactile typing experience for those who prefer a bit of feedback when typing. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Milk Tea switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Lotus's nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, offers a more subdued and rounded sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing creates a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing, providing a lively and vibrant sound experience. While both materials excel in sound production, they cater to different preferences in sound profiles.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Lotus and the Milk Tea switches shares similar qualities, contributing to the deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches during use. This uniformity in bottom housing material ensures consistency in sound and tactile feedback while typing on switches that use nylon, regardless of the top housing material. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound production and feel from both the Lotus and the Milk Tea switches due to their shared bottom housing material.
When comparing the Lotus and Milk Tea switches, the difference in top housing material becomes evident in the sound produced when pressing down on a key versus when releasing it. The bottom housing, with its deeper impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, provides a steady foundation for the typing experience. In contrast, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound emission when releasing a key, offering a distinct sound signature based on the material used. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom housing adds depth and variety to the overall typing experience, allowing users to customize their sound preferences based on their choice of switch.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Milk Tea switch for its heavier actuation force. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their actuation and bottom out forces, so users should consider their preferences before making a decision.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch provides a longer travel distance for those who prefer a more satisfying key press with deeper feedback. Both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter, quicker key press or a longer, more tactile 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 Tea.
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 Lotus linear switch is known for its quiet operation, lacking any notable sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Milk Tea tactile switch has been reported to produce a subtle and satisfying sound with a slight tactile bump during actuation. However, it's important to remember that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lotus linear switch is praised for its smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation, providing a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea tactile switch offers a distinct tactile feedback upon actuation, enhancing the typing experience with a noticeable bump. Both switches are said to provide a comfortable typing experience, albeit with different characteristics to cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus is known for its quiet operation and smooth keystrokes, while the Milk Tea provides a subtle sound and a tactile bump during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to provide a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, keep in mind that the Lotus may be the better choice if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are focused on fast and smooth key presses. On the other hand, the Milk Tea might be more suitable if you desire a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing, even though the specific bottom out force is not available. Consider your preferences for key feel and sound when making your decision, as this will ultimately determine which switch will provide you with the typing experience you desire.
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