Outemu Lotus vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, also a linear switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Lotus is known for its smooth keypress, while the Semi-Silent Linear has gained recognition for its innovative semi-silent feature, delivering a whisper-quiet top-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. The Lotus is categorized as a traditional linear switch, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear falls under categories like subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Choosing between these switches may depend on your preference for sound and feel. The Lotus offers a traditional linear experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a unique blend of quietness and tactile feedback. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, we can see a significant difference in the top housing material used. The Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in materials leads to distinct sound characteristics between the two switches, with the Lotus offering a rounder sound while the Semi-Silent Linear delivers a more clear and resonant sound.
While both the Lotus and the Semi-Silent Linear feature nylon bottom housings, their top housings differ significantly. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties. However, the impact of the top housing material becomes apparent when considering the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Lotus's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference highlights how material choice in the top housing can significantly alter the auditory experience of typing on a switch.
In terms of overall sound profiles, the Outemu Lotus and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer unique experiences due to their housing materials. The Lotus, with its nylon top housing, provides a deeper and fuller sound that is enhanced by the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and more resonant sound. Despite both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, the distinct characteristics of their top housings create varying sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound (Lotus) or a sharper and crisper sound (Semi-Silent Linear).
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Lotus is also lighter at 50 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lotus switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Semi-Silent Linear switch with its heavier bottom out force. In terms of actuation force, the Lotus provides a clear advantage with its specified 35 grams compared to the unknown force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Lotus switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may opt for the Semi-Silent Linear switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 remains unknown, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is best known for its subdued and neutral sound profile. The Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a quieter topping-out sound while still providing a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound, making it suitable for various environments. The Lotus switch's sound qualities are not specified, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, choosing the right keycaps and keyboard setup can greatly influence the overall sound experience of both switches.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lotus switch's specific qualities are also unspecified, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. The Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a gentle typing experience with a responsive feel, smooth keystrokes, and reduced friction for effortless key travel. Without knowing the specific feel of the Lotus switch, it's challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two in terms of tactile feedback. Both switches seem to offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Semi-Silent Linear switch providing additional characteristics that enhance typing precision.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative semi-silent design, offering a subdued sound profile and a range of tactile qualities that cater to a wide user base. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Lotus switch are not explicitly stated, it is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the ideal switch for individual typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches are likely to provide a satisfactory typing experience, with the Semi-Silent Linear switch offering unique features such as a quiet sound profile and responsive feel. Experimenting with different switches and configurations can help users determine the best fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a more traditional linear switch experience, the Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, a semi-silent switch with whisper-quiet topping-out sound, and a smooth yet not over-polished feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and overall keyboard experience.
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