Outemu Lotus vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, the decision may come down to personal preference and typing style. The Lotus is a linear switch with a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for fast typists who prefer a consistent feel across all keys. On the other hand, the Red switch also offers a linear feel but with a slightly lighter actuation force, making it a popular choice among gamers for quick and responsive key presses. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Red have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Red employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its stiffer plastic. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option for users looking to customize their keyboards.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which further enhances their sound profiles with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This commonality ensures that both the Lotus and Red deliver a deeper and fuller typing experience, regardless of their top housing material. However, the difference in their top housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics when pressing down and releasing keys. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when keys are released.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Lotus and Outemu Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Lotus offers a more rounded and dull sound, perfect for users who prefer a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the Red's crisper and higher-pitched sound may appeal to those seeking a clearer and more resonant typing feel. Regardless of the housing materials used, both switches provide quality performance and can be relied upon to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lotus linear switch to the Outemu Red linear switch, the Lotus is lighter in both categories. The Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lotus switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Red switch. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Red switch, which requires a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences based on the desired weight and feel of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus switch. The Lotus switch would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Red switch with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer linear actuation, but the slight difference in travel distance may influence the overall typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Red.
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
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, one can see that both switches lack any distinct reputation for sound or feel. This means that when using either switch, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of sound and feel. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in determining which switch is best suited for you, so trying out both switches on a test keyboard is recommended to ensure you find the one that best fits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force and your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a slightly different sound and feel, the Lotus switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and a different sound and feel, the Red switch may be the more suitable choice. Take into account your typing style and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch to make the best decision for your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Lotus and Red switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you.
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