Outemu Lotus vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and use cases. The Outemu Lotus stands out for its balanced feel and consistent keystroke, making it a suitable choice for both typists and casual gamers who seek a reliable linear switch experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed specifically with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm that facilitates rapid-fire inputs, perfect for high-speed gaming scenarios. This switch not only provides a bright, clacky sound profile but also delivers a remarkably smooth push feel, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Ultimately, while the Lotus offers a versatile and solid performance for varied typing needs, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for those who prioritize responsiveness and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus switches share a remarkably similar composition, utilizing nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This common choice of material contributes significantly to their sound profiles. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs and dampens sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience when typing. Both switches thus evoke a nuanced auditory signature characterized by a duller and rounder sound, making them appealing for users seeking a typing experience that is less sharp or harsh. As a result, when comparing these two switches, one can expect a consistent auditory experience owing to their shared nylon housing material.
While the top and bottom housings of both the Outemu Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus switches are identical in material, it is crucial to recognize the role each housing plays in defining the overall feel and sound of the switch during operation. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound during release. This separation of influence means that even though both switches utilize nylon throughout, the user experience can still be nuanced depending on how these individual housings interact during key presses. Therefore, the tactile sensation and acoustic output are shaped not only by the materials used but also by the structural design of each component.
In summary, the Outemu Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus switches are comparable in terms of their nylon housing materials, which function to enhance a fuller and mellower sound profile. Users can expect largely indistinguishable results in terms of acoustics and typing feel, thanks to the shared properties of nylon. However, the interaction of the top and bottom housings still results in subtle variations in user experience, particularly in relation to the sound produced when pressing and releasing keys. Thus, while the construction materials are the same and contribute to similar auditory characteristics, the tactile nuances provided by each switch's design can lead to an engaging typing experience that may feel distinct to each user.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch showcase distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus has a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, which can lead to longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and providing a more substantial feel during use. This difference may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer push back from their switches, enhancing the tactile experience. Therefore, while the Outemu Lotus is lighter and better suited for extended typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a more robust typing experience for those who favor a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the differences are clear. The Lotus features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Vintage Citrus switch offers a more responsive feel, making it a preferable choice for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for those who favor a depthier feel, the Lotus is the better option, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those who prioritize swiftness and agility in their keystrokes. Overall, the Outemu Lotus is the longer switch, and the HMX Vintage Citrus is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 switch has an undefined acoustic profile, making it difficult to categorize its tonal characteristics. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is recognized for its bright, clacky sound. This sound quality can enhance the typing experience, particularly for gamers seeking auditory feedback during rapid key presses. However, it is essential to keep in mind that a switch's sound can vary greatly depending on the keyboard build and the keycaps used, which means both switches might be integrated into setups that can produce different sound experiences.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Lotus switch lacks detailed information on its tactile sensation, leaving its characteristics ambiguous. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is known for providing a remarkably smooth push feel, making every keystroke fluid and effortless. This smoothness, combined with the low actuation force of just 1mm, allows gamers to execute quick inputs with ease, ensuring a responsive experience that enhances gameplay performance. While the Lotus’s feel is unknown, those looking for a tactile experience may need to explore further or rely on other switches that have well-documented characteristics.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lotus and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present a contrast in their subjective qualities, particularly in sound and feel. While the Vintage Citrus boasts a bright sound and smooth, low-pressure action geared toward fast-paced gaming, the Lotus lacks defined attributes in these categories, leaving room for exploration. Newcomers to mechanical keyboards may find that, while the Vintage Citrus caters to specific needs, the Lotus could still provide a satisfactory experience depending on individual preferences and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your specific needs and preferences will ultimately guide your choice. If you favor a lighter keystroke with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, opting for the Lotus can provide a comfortable typing experience, especially if you prefer a more subdued switch without any standout features. However, if you are a gamer looking for rapid response times and an engaging sound profile, the Vintage Citrus is your go-to option. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams balances well with its exceptionally low actuation point of just 1mm, making it ideal for fast-paced gameplay. Moreover, the Vintage Citrus offers a bright, clacky sound that not only enhances the auditory experience but also contributes to its smooth push feel, making each keystroke feel satisfying. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and a more pronounced tactile feedback while gaming, the Vintage Citrus is definitely worth considering. In contrast, the Lotus may suit you better if you are seeking a straightforward linear switch that focuses on comfort and lightness for daily typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you want a more gaming-oriented experience or a more general-purpose, comfortable typing solution.
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