Outemu Lotus vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When discussing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and Jwick Taro offer unique typing experiences to users. The Lotus is known for its linear feel, providing a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Taro switches are praised for their comfortable and subdued color scheme, offering a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Lotus focuses on a straightforward typing experience, the Taro switches cater to users who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback while typing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
No
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Jwick Taro offer distinct sound profiles due to their different properties. The Lotus, with its nylon top housing, produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This results in different auditory experiences for users, with the Lotus providing a rounder sound compared to the Taro's more resonant profile.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Lotus and the Taro utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a duller sound, it still adds to the overall typing experience by enhancing the tactile feedback and sound when bottoming out keys. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing feel for both switches, despite the differences in their top housing materials. So, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Lotus or the Taro.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Outemu Lotus and the Jwick Taro plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. The contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate result in distinct sound profiles, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound, while polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, each material contributes uniquely to the overall typing feel, affecting both the auditory and tactile aspects of typing. Understanding these differences can help users choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the Lotus is the lighter option. The Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch overall. On the other hand, the Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams and an unknown actuation force, placing it in the medium-heavy category. The difference in weight between the two switches is significant, with the Lotus offering a lighter typing experience compared to the Taro. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Lotus to be a better fit, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing may prefer the heavier Taro switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and feel of a switch, with lighter switches providing more effortless typing and heavier switches offering a more robust and tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Taro. The Lotus would provide a quicker response time for gamers who prefer shorter distances, while the Taro would offer a deeper feel for those who enjoy more travel when pressing down on a key. Both switches are suitable options depending on individual preferences, with the Lotus being ideal for speed and the Taro for a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 Lotus linear switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience with no specific descriptors. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it offers a moderate level of sound that is suitable for various typing scenarios, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Lotus linear switch does not have any specific descriptions available. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is known for its buttery and stepped tactile feel. The buttery sensation provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering seamless and effortless typing. Additionally, the stepped feel of the Taro switch gives it a two-stage tactile feedback, where users can feel distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. This unique combination results in a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch is praised for its subjective values, the Taro switch provides a cozy and tactile typing experience with medium-level tactility. Despite their differences, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of overall typing performance, making them suitable options for users looking for distinct sound and feel characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light bottom out force and a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile sensation while typing, the Taro switch with its snappy tactility and cozy typing experience might be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a moderate sound profile and actuation force, the Taro switch would be a good option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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