Outemu Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Silent Grey offer unique experiences for users. The Lotus is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Grey is a tactile switch, favored for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Lotus may be preferred for its smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey stands out for its quiet operation. However, let's delve 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of material composition and resulting 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 contrast, the Silent Grey incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lotus and Silent Grey utilize nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to that of the top housing. This consistency in material choice for the bottom housing ensures a cohesive sound experience across the entirety of the switch. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch may be more pronounced during the bottom-out phase, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials adds complexity to the overall sound profile of the switches.
Overall, while the Outemu Lotus and Outemu Silent Grey differ in their top housing materials, they share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a comparable sound profile in terms of depth and fullness. However, the contrasting characteristics of the nylon and polycarbonate top housings of the Lotus and Silent Grey respectively provide users with distinct sound options to suit their preferences. Whether one prefers the duller and rounder sound of nylon or the crisper and resonant sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique auditory experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Lotus has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silent Grey. The Lotus requires 35 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams for bottoming out, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Silent Grey has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended periods of typing or gaming, the Lotus would be the better choice. However, if a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel is desired, the Silent Grey would be the preferred option. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus switch offers a quicker response time, ideal for gamers looking for a faster keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel.
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 Silent Grey.
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 Lotus linear switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound profile, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for offering a quiet typing experience due to its silent design. The Lotus switch may provide a smoother keystroke compared to the Silent Grey, but without information on sound, it is challenging to determine how it compares in terms of noise level.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Lotus linear switch is not associated with any specific tactile feedback or bump in its keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is well-known for its highly tactile typing experience, characterized by a pronounced bump during key presses. This bump provides users with a satisfying feedback when typing, making it a popular choice for those who prefer tactile switches.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the ideal option. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a potentially smoother keystroke but are unsure about its sound profile, the Outemu Lotus switch could provide similar results in terms of feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on your preference for sound and tactile feedback while typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and prioritize a smooth keystroke, the Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a moderate bottom out force and enjoy a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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