Outemu Lotus vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both stand out as excellent linear options. The Outemu Lotus offers a unique typing experience that emphasizes ease of use and reliability, making it a solid choice for those new to mechanical switches or anyone seeking familiar feel and performance. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie delights users with its medium-weight design and all-POM construction, providing a satisfying thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness at an affordable price point. While the Lotus caters to those who prioritize simplicity and dependable functionality, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users who desire a higher-end feel without breaking the bank. 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
48g
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
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it's evident that each uses different materials which contribute distinct audio characteristics to their switches. The Outemu Lotus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Known for its softer and more absorbent qualities, nylon helps produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The sound generated when typing on the Outemu Lotus is described as duller and rounder, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This construction allows the user to enjoy a typing experience that is not only acoustically pleasing but also contributes to a softer feel during keystrokes.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features POM for both its top and bottom housings. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is revered for its smooth texture and durability, and while it offers a more muted sound profile, it still produces a uniquely pleasant auditory experience. Similar to the Outemu Lotus, the deeper sound profile is retained; however, the character of the sound may be slightly crisper instead of the rounder notes associated with the nylon housings. This construction allows typists to enjoy a clean and precise response, distinguishing it from the warmer sound that comes from the nylon of the Lotus.
Despite the differing materials, the similarities between the sound profiles of the two switches imply that users may experience comparable auditory results. While both nylon and POM serve distinct roles, their unique absorption and resonance characteristics will impact the overall sound of each switch when typing. Fans of deeper sound profiles and rounded acoustics will find satisfaction in the Outemu Lotus's nylon construction, while those seeking a unique, muted sound will appreciate the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM composition. Ultimately, both switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback, albeit with distinctive nuances shaped by their respective material choices.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch features a notably lighter actuation force of 35 grams, compared to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, which requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This difference indicates that the Lotus is designed for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unavailable, making it difficult to fully compare its total key press resistance with that of the Lotus, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, while the Outemu Lotus provides a lighter overall feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might offer a more substantial typing experience with its increased actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Thus, for those who value a lighter switch for comfort, the Lotus is the winner, while enthusiasts seeking a heavier feedback might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, once complete force specifications are available.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Lotus switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its deeper travel distance, may provide a more tactile experience for users who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing keys. As such, users who value responsiveness may lean towards the Outemu Lotus, whereas those who appreciate a hearty feel might prefer the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. Overall, the difference in travel distances suggests a distinct differentiation in user experience based on preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lotus switch lacks a defining quality, making its acoustic profile somewhat of an enigma. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is noted for its thocky sound, which delivers a satisfying auditory experience for many users. It's important to note that sound characteristics can vary based on the keyboard design, including factors like the choice of board and keycap materials. So while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a distinct tone, the Lotus may produce a quieter or more neutral sound, and the overall experience can differ depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lotus switch is similarly undefined, leaving room for interpretation regarding its tactile feedback. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, however, is characterized by its exceptional smoothness, primarily due to its all-POM construction. This feature provides a comfortable typing experience that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Lotus’s tactile feedback may not stand out as much, which could either be a benefit or drawback depending on personal preferences for a more pronounced sensation when typing.
In summary, the Outemu Lotus switch presents uncertainty regarding its sound and feel qualities, which may limit its appeal to some users. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a notable thocky sound profile and a smooth typing experience, making it a compelling choice for those seeking quality in their keyboard switches. If you’re aiming for a distinct auditory and tactile experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely to deliver, while the Lotus may serve as a more neutral alternative. Ultimately, your specific preferences and setup will heavily influence which switch works best for you.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a lighter actuation and enjoy a more demure sound profile while typing, the Outemu Lotus might be the better choice for you, especially if you're looking for a switch that offers a less taxing typing experience. However, if you prefer a switch that combines a medium weight with a satisfying thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, then the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be the switch that suits your needs. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value most in your typing experience, whether that's the tactile feedback of a lighter actuation or the rich auditory and haptic feedback of a medium-weight switch.
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