Outemu Lotus vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique features and qualities. Two popular choices to consider are the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, and the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch. The Lotus is best known for its elusive and mysterious nature, while the Purple Click is celebrated for its high-pitched, satisfying click. The Lotus provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, making it ideal for those who value a streamlined feel. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a crunchy and invigorating keystroke with a pronounced tactility that is sure to please those who enjoy a bit of feedback in their typing. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the KTT Purple Click, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound vibrations. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottoming out keys. However, the top housings differ significantly, with the Lotus featuring a nylon top housing and the Purple Click utilizing a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in materials results in distinct sound profiles, with the Lotus offering a duller and rounder sound, while the Purple Click provides a sharper and crisper sound.
In terms of sound production, the top housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of a switch. The Lotus's nylon top housing is designed to create a duller and rounder sound by absorbing more sound vibrations, resulting in a deeper typing experience. In comparison, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is more resonant and clear. Aesthetically, the Purple Click's clear polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for users looking to showcase RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for those wanting a customized keyboard setup.
Overall, while both the Outemu Lotus and the KTT Purple Click share a similarity in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, their top housings set them apart. The Lotus's nylon top housing produces a deeper and rounder sound, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a crisper typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that the Lotus is the lighter option with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Purple Click is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Lotus provides a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of use without fatigue, making it suitable for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a slightly more substantial typing feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences based on the desired level of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus switch provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a deeper keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may be more preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Both switches have their own benefits based on personal preference, with the Lotus switch being the shorter option for faster responses and the Purple Click switch providing a deeper keypress for a more satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
The Outemu Lotus comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Lotus linear switch is known for its quiet operation without any specific defining characteristics while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and satisfying click sound. The Purple Click switch provides a crunchy and resonant experience, akin to the sound of stepping on autumn leaves, offering a clean and sharp auditory profile that can be quite immersive. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, details about the Outemu Lotus linear switch are not readily available. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. This switch offers a snappy and reactive typing experience, creating a sense of immersion for the user. Additionally, it is noted as having a stepped feel, indicating a tactile response with two distinct stages during the keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they provide distinct typing experiences for users. Those opting for a quieter operation may prefer the Lotus switch, while individuals seeking a more tactile and audible typing experience may lean towards the Purple Click switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Each switch will deliver its own unique typing experience, but if a similar quality is desired, both switches can offer satisfactory results depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, you may lean towards the Lotus with its 50-gram force compared to the Purple Click's 55-gram force. If you enjoy a satisfying high-pitched click while typing, the Purple Click may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Lotus may be more suitable. When it comes to feel, if you enjoy a snappy and reactive typing sensation, the Purple Click's invigorating feel may be more appealing to you. However, if you prefer a more subtle tactile experience, you may prefer the Lotus. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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