Outemu Lotus vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie are two popular options worth considering. The Lotus is best known for its unique tactile response. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction that delivers a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Lotus offers a satisfying feedback, the Smoothie provides a buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky typing experience. Both switches have their own unique advantages and appeal to different preferences. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics so you can 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lotus and Gateron Smoothie both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the nylon top housing of the Lotus may provide a rounder sound compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lotus and the Smoothie use different materials to complement their overall sound profiles. The Lotus's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM bottom housing offers a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and more muted. The bottom housing of a switch primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, so the nylon bottom housing of the Lotus may create a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and Gateron Smoothie play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Lotus uses nylon for both top and bottom housing, creating a consistent deep and full sound, the Smoothie combines a POM top housing for a unique sound with a POM bottom housing for a deeper and more muted sound profile. Depending on individual preferences, users may find the rounder sound of the Lotus appealing or the deeper, more muted sound of the Smoothie to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer different sound experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams, making the Lotus easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Lotus is lighter overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Smoothie, on the other hand, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Smoothie. The 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm range is considered traditional for travel distance, with shorter distances being favored by gamers for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Lotus may be the better option. However, some users find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, in which case the Smoothie with its slightly longer travel distance could be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 undisclosed sound profile, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is celebrated for its thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound characteristics. The thocky sound signature of the Smoothie provides a deep and satisfying auditory experience, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that adds a pleasing depth to keystrokes. On the other hand, the Lotus remains a mystery in terms of sound, leaving users curious to discover its unique acoustic qualities.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Lotus linear switch's tactile experience is not mentioned, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel. The buttery smoothness of the Smoothie delivers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keys with ease. The creamy and silky attributes of the Smoothie enhance the overall typing feel and minimize resistance, providing users with a luxurious typing experience. In contrast, information regarding the tactile feel of the Lotus switch remains unknown, leaving users to speculate on its typing experience.
Taking all available information into account, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and buttery, creamy, and silky tactile feel. While the Outemu Lotus linear switch offers an air of mystery with undisclosed sound and feel characteristics, it may provide similar results to the Smoothie in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, giving newcomers a variety of options to explore in the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and are looking for a switch with a unique characteristic, the Outemu Lotus may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
