Outemu Lotus vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, and the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Lotus is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer a linear feel. On the other hand, the Purple switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback with each keypress, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. While the Lotus is favored for its precision and speed, the Purple switch is praised for its satisfying tactile feedback. 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
2.00 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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Purple switches differ in terms of their composition and sound profiles. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in materials affects the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
On the other hand, both the Lotus and the Purple switches share a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The similarities in the bottom housing material result in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottom-out actions. Despite the difference in their top housings, the shared bottom housing material ensures a similar typing feel and sound characteristic, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing in the overall switch design.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is evident that each housing component plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This distinction underscores the importance of having compatible housing materials in a switch design to ensure a balanced and harmonious typing experience for users. In the case of the Outemu Lotus and Outemu Purple switches, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate housing materials provides users with a diverse range of sound profiles to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, which requires 50 grams of force to actuate. When it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus switch requires 50 grams, while the Purple switch's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lotus switch for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Purple switch. Both switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among keyboard users.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Purple. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus may appeal to individuals looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Purple may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, with the Lotus offering quicker keystrokes and the Purple providing a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming 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 Purple.
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 having a relatively quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch produces a subtle but pronounced sound with each key press, offering a satisfying auditory feedback to the user. It is important to consider 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 Outemu Lotus linear switch is praised for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, providing a seamless typing experience for users who prefer linear switches. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, giving users a more tactile feedback and a sense of assurance that the key press has been registered. Both switches are durable and responsive, ensuring a reliable performance for extended periods of use.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch is known for its quiet operation and smooth keystrokes, the Purple switch provides a tactile bump and a satisfying sound with each press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Whether you prefer a linear switch for a quiet typing experience or a tactile switch for enhanced feedback, both the Outemu Lotus and Outemu Purple switches are reliable options that will deliver a consistent performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Outemu Lotus linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback while typing and don't mind a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Purple tactile switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal typing style and what feels most comfortable to you. Happy typing!
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