Outemu Lotus vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique features for different preferences. The Lotus is a linear switch that is best known for, well, not being known for any specific standout feature. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is also a linear switch, but it is best known for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, as well as its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch. If you're looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance and a unique sound profile, the Smoothie Silver may be the way to go. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, one key difference is the material used for the top housing. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both materials contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience, the specific sound profiles they create vary slightly.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lotus and the Smoothie Silver employ nylon for this component. Nylon is recognized for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, there may still be subtle differences in the sound and feel of the switches due to other factors such as design and construction.
Overall, while the Outemu Lotus and the Gateron Smoothie Silver use different materials for their top housing (nylon vs. POM), their bottom housing material remains the same (nylon). This means that users can expect a similar level of sound absorption and sound profile enhancement from the bottom housing of both switches. However, the varying top housing materials will ultimately influence the specific sound produced when key presses are initiated and released. It is important to consider these differences when choosing between the two switches to ensure that the sound profile aligns with your preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams to fully press down, while the force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus may be preferred by those who want to type for extended periods without feeling fatigued, while the heavier actuation force of the Smoothie Silver could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see that the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within a relatively short range of travel distances, with the Smoothie Silver being slightly longer than the Lotus. While the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, it may still be noticeable to those who are particularly sensitive to such details. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and key feel. Some may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Lotus for quicker response times, while others may lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Smoothie Silver for a more substantial key press. In general, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their closely matched travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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
The Outemu Lotus linear switch is best known for its undefined sound profile, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact characteristics of its noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is recognized for producing a thocky sound, providing a unique auditory experience for users. This sound is achieved thanks to the all-POM construction of the switch, contributing to its smoothness and light touch. When it comes to feel, the Outemu Lotus lacks specific details, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver is praised for its short travel distance, allowing for quick actuation and a responsive typing experience. Overall, while the sound and feel of the two switches may differ, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance, making either option a solid choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a different typing experience, the Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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