Outemu Lotus vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, also a linear switch. The Lotus is best known for its unique characteristics and falls under the category of linear switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is renowned for its silenced version, perfect for quieter typing environments, offering a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal sound feedback. While the Lotus and Silent Ink Black both belong to the linear switch family, they differ in their specific features and qualities. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Outemu Lotus and Gateron Silent Ink Black both utilize different housing materials for their switches. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, known for providing a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing that delivers a pointed and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. While the Lotus offers a duller and rounder sound, the Silent Ink Black provides a sharper and more satisfying tone.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches continue to differ in their material choices. The Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing, contributing to its deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which maintains its characteristic thin and higher-pitched sound that adds to its overall clacky feel. These contrasting bottom housings further differentiate the sound profiles and typing experiences between the two switches.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the Outemu Lotus and Gateron Silent Ink Black significantly impacts the sound and feel of each switch. While both switches are designed for a satisfying typing experience, the Lotus's nylon housings create a softer and more absorbent sound, whereas the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend housings result in a sharper and more defined sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, with the top and bottom housings each playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch. The Lotus requires 35 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Lotus more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the Silent Ink Black. Both switches offer different levels of typing feedback, with the Lotus providing a lighter touch and the Silent Ink Black offering a medium-heavy touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Lotus on the shallower end and the Silent Ink Black on the deeper end. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Lotus due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 linear switch has not gained a specific reputation for its sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for producing a muted typing experience. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch offers a softer and quieter sound compared to traditional mechanical switches, making it a great choice for quieter environments where noise reduction is essential.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Lotus does not have a specific description of its tactile feel. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch provides an exceptionally smooth and refined feel, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and reducing friction during key presses.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Lotus and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches may offer different sound and feel profiles, one can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and quietness in typing experiences. The Lotus switch may provide a unique typing experience with its own characteristics, while the Silent Ink Black switch is well-loved for its muted sound and silky feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force and are not concerned about noise levels, the Outemu Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience and enjoy a cushy bottom-out feel with smooth key travel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best fits your needs.
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