Outemu Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, one may consider the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch. The Lotus is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, providing a seamless typing experience for those who prefer linear switches. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback, with a 70g bump and satisfying "thocky" sound that enhances the typing experience. While the Lotus offers a straightforward and fluid typing feel, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a more tactile and engaging sensation. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile feature nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a similar typing experience for users. The nylon material used in both switches is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This characteristic contributes to a duller and rounder sound, making typing on these switches a satisfying and immersive experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, it's important to note that the qualities each housing brings to the switch are distributed differently between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, impacting the overall typing experience when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key, adding another layer of tactile feedback for users to enjoy.
Overall, the choice of nylon housing in both the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches contributes to a consistent and high-quality typing experience. The use of this classic switch housing material enhances the sound profile of each keypress, creating a satisfying and immersive typing sensation for users. Whether it's the Outemu Lotus or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, the nylon housing ensures that users will enjoy a deep and full sound profile that adds to the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch differ significantly in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Lotus provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more substantial push feel, ideal for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. In both switches, the actuation force is lower than the bottom out force, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of the difference between the two forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Lotus switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Overall, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance and should provide comparable results when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lotus comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Lotus switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, but it likely produces a quieter and smoother sound due to being a linear switch. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, offering a sharp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. This makes the WS Heavy Tactile switch more audibly engaging compared to the Lotus switch, especially for those who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Lotus switch again does not have specific descriptors available, but being a linear switch, it is likely smooth and consistent without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile bump, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel with each keypress. This makes the WS Heavy Tactile switch a more tactile and responsive option compared to the Lotus switch, offering a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer tactile feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switch provides a smoother and quieter typing experience without tactile feedback, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a more engaging sound profile and tactile response with its pronounced bump and rebound effect. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual preferences of the user, with the Lotus switch being suitable for those who prefer a linear and quieter feel, and the WS Heavy Tactile switch being ideal for users seeking a more tactile and audible typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Lotus linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is known for its smooth linear action, the Lotus may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a higher bottom out force and are seeking a switch that is best known for its immersive tactile experience with a deep 70g bump, captivating sound, and a satisfying typing feel, then the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that the Lotus is quieter than the WS Heavy Tactile, which is noted for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound. Additionally, the Lotus offers a different typing feel compared to the WS Heavy Tactile, which is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.