Outemu Lotus vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two noteworthy linear switches to consider are the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Silver. Although both switches are linear, offering a smooth keystroke without the tactile feedback of clicky switches, they each provide distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Outemu Lotus is celebrated for its balance of actuation force and travel distance, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a comfortable typing experience, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is recognized for its faster actuation and shorter travel distance, designed for gamers who benefit from swift keystrokes and reduced latency. Both switches excel in different scenarios, making the choice between them dependent on your specific needs, whether it’s the tranquil typing experience of the Lotus or the rapid response of the Silver. 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
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
The Outemu Lotus and Outemu Silver switches showcase distinctive differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Lotus employs a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is appealing to users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. The nylon's sound-absorbing qualities contribute to a rounder, duller sound, making itless harsh than its polycarbonate counterparts. In contrast, the Outemu Silver features a polycarbonate top housing that yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffer material provides a crisper auditory feedback, which can enhance the typing experience for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced response from their switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also offers aesthetic advantages, particularly in RGB-lit setups, allowing the light to shine through more vividly compared to the more opaque nylon.
While the top housings of the Lotus and Silver differ markedly, both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings. This commonality leads to a similar foundational sound profile that helps unify the overall experience of each switch. The nylon bottom housing in both cases ensures that the key feel and bottom-out sound maintain that deeper and fuller character. Consequently, while the sound produced during key release may differ—due to the contrasting materials of the top housings—the bottom-out sound for both switches will be characterized by the same qualities, creating a bridge between their auditory experiences. This shared element allows users to enjoy a consistent feeling when bottoming out the switches, regardless of the top housing material.
In summary, the key differences between the Outemu Lotus and Outemu Silver revolve primarily around their top housing materials, with nylon on the Lotus generating a mellower sound and polycarbonate on the Silver resulting in a crisper auditory profile. However, the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings means that both switches will deliver similar bottom-out experiences, encapsulating the essence of both materials. By considering the interplay between the top and bottom housings, users can appreciate how each switch's design and material choices influence their overall performance, allowing for distinct yet complementary typing experiences.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Lotus operates with a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer reduced resistance for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silver switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial tactile experience favored by those who appreciate a firmer push feel. As a result, the Lotus is classified as light, whereas the Silver falls into the medium-heavy category. Ultimately, users seeking a feather-light typing experience may prefer the Lotus, while those desiring more resistance should opt for the Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The Lotus switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silver switch measures at 4 mm, giving it a deeper feel. This variance reflects the trend where shorter travel distances, like that of the Lotus, are favored by gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, the Silver's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth during typing, as it can provide a more tactile experience. Therefore, if rapid responsiveness is your priority, the Outemu Lotus would be the ideal choice, whereas those who enjoy a fuller keystroke may find the Outemu Silver more to their liking.
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 Silver.
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 and the Outemu Silver linear switch are both relatively quiet, as is typical for linear switches. This means that neither switch produces a noticeable click or distinct auditory feedback that you might find with tactile or clicky switches. However, it’s important to remember that the sound quality can be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction, plate material, and keycap profile. Ultimately, users can expect a similar muted sound profile from both switches, ideal for quiet environments or for individuals who prefer a less distracting typing experience.
Regarding the feel, both the Outemu Lotus and Silver linear switches deliver a smooth typing experience typical of linear switches. However, without specific descriptions available for each switch, the precise nuances that differentiate their tactile feedback or keystroke resistance remain unclear. Generally, linear switches provide a consistent and uninterrupted keypress without any bumps or resistance, allowing for rapid key presses. As such, whether one chooses the Lotus or the Silver, they can anticipate a comparable feel characterized by fluidity and ease of motion.
In summary, both the Outemu Lotus and Silver linear switches offer similar sound profiles and share the linear characteristics of smooth keystrokes. Users can expect quiet operation and a seamless typing experience, making either choice suitable for those who prefer linear switches. Since the subjective qualities of sound and feel align closely, newcomers can confidently select either option while being assured of a comparable experience in their mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter feel during typing and gaming sessions, the Lotus, with its 50 grams of bottom-out force, can provide a smoother and less fatiguing experience, especially if you find yourself typing for long periods or engaging in fast-paced gaming. The softer feedback can enhance your speed while minimizing the effort required with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key feel, the Silver with a 65 grams bottom-out force might be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy resistance can give you better tactile assurance that you've fully actuated a key, which some typists and gamers may find beneficial for precision and control. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter touch with the Lotus or a firmer, more deliberate response with the Silver.
Mentioned in this article
