Outemu Lotus vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g stand out, particularly for those drawn to linear switches. The Outemu Lotus, while not widely recognized for specific standout features, offers a reliable and smooth keystroke experience that appeals to users who prioritize action consistency in their typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is celebrated for its uniquely quiet operation, mimicking the soft sound of rain, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is key. Its lightweight 43g bottom-out force caters to light typists looking for a gentle touch while maintaining a serene workspace. Both switches cater to different typing needs—whether you are seeking reliable performance or a tranquil typing atmosphere. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top housings. This shared characteristic contributes to a similar auditory experience, as the nylon's softer composition results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon effectively absorbs sound, leading to a rounder and more pronounced auditory sensation with each keystroke. Therefore, users who appreciate a subdued and rich typing sound will find a comparable acoustic experience when using either the Lotus or Silent Sakura switches.
The bottom housing materials, however, present a stark contrast between the two switches. The Lotus employs a nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to the overall warm sound profile characteristic of its top housing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that enhances the sound profile in a different way. The higher rigidity of polycarbonate results in a sharper and crisper auditory experience, making each key press feel more defined. This difference in material means that typists will notice a distinct variation in the bottom-out sound and feel between the two switches, influencing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the differences in the bottom housings between the Outemu Lotus and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g lead to unique sound profiles, while the similarities in the top housing maintain a consistent auditory experience across both models. Users can expect a rich and resonant typing experience due to the nylon top housings, while the type of bottom housing they choose will dictate the bottom-out sensation and sound. Consequently, selecting between these switches will ultimately depend on the user's sound preference: a softer, warmer profile from the Lotus or a sharper, clearer response from the Silent Sakura - 43g, despite their shared top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we can see that both switches have relatively light specifications. The Outemu Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 43 grams. Consequently, the Outemu Lotus is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer easy key presses for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura offers a firmer feel with a heavier actuation force, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches allow for relatively effortless typing compared to heavier options, catering to various user preferences in switch sensitivity and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Outemu Lotus has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lotus may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses, whereas the Silent Sakura offers a deeper, more traditional experience that some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, if you prefer a swift response time, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus is the better choice, while those who enjoy a fuller press might gravitate towards the longer travel of the Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lotus comes in at $3.10, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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 has not been specifically characterized, leaving its acoustic profile open to personal interpretation based on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap selection. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch stands out for its exceptionally quiet operation, designed to mimic the soothing sound of raindrops falling on a window. This acoustic quality makes the Silent Sakura an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is paramount, resonating well with those who prefer a more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lotus switch lacks detailed descriptions, making it difficult to ascertain its tactile characteristics. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is crafted with an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43 grams, catering specifically to light typists. This lightweight feel contributes to a smooth and effortless typing experience, perfect for users who prioritize comfort and reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, while the specifics of the Outemu Lotus remain ambiguous, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is well-regarded for its silent sound profile and light touch. If you gravitate towards a quiet and smooth typing experience, you will likely find the Silent Sakura appealing; however, if you are more curious about the Lotus, you may need to experiment to discover its qualities since it may present a unique feel or sound not yet documented in detail.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a switch with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Lotus, with its 50g bottom-out weight, might suit you better, especially if you prefer a firmer feel while typing. However, do note that specific tactile feedback or sound characteristics for the Lotus haven't been provided; this could be a caveat if you're looking for distinct sensory feedback in your keypresses. On the other hand, if your priority is a whisper-quiet typing experience, perhaps for working in shared spaces or environments where noise is a concern, the Silent Sakura - 43g would be ideal with its ultra-light 43g actuation force. This switch promises a serene typing experience, making it perfect for those soft keystrokes reminiscent of gentle raindrops. In the end, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize a firmer feel or whisper-quiet performance, helping you create the ideal typing environment that best fits your needs.
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