Outemu Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Lotus is categorized as a linear switch with none specific features, while the WS Onion is also a linear switch but stands out for its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, offering a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. The WS Onion has a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize a polished typing experience. While both switches offer linear actuation, the WS Onion seems to excel in providing a remarkable typing experience with its unique materials and design. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion provide distinct sound profiles due to their different properties. The Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Lotus's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the WS Onion's nylon bottom housing shares similar characteristics with the Lotus, resulting in a comparable duller and rounder sound quality.
The choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards. The Lotus's nylon top housing creates a sound profile that is duller and rounder, providing a soft typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a crisper sound. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housings contribute to distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion showcase the importance of material composition in determining the sound profile of mechanical switches. While the Lotus's nylon housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, the WS Onion's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite the differences in their top housings, the similarities in their nylon bottom housings lead to comparable sound qualities. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound profile or a sharper, crisper sound, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches can significantly impact your typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus is lighter overall. The Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the WS Onion has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. The difference in forces between the two switches means that the Lotus will provide a smoother and lighter typing experience, while the WS Onion will offer a more substantial and firmer typing feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a lighter typing experience with the Lotus or a heavier one with the WS Onion. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing style and preference.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we can see that the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the WS Onion. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Lotus may provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, while the WS Onion offers a bit more depth in the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches, we find that the WS Onion offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. This makes it suitable for a variety of uses, regardless of skill level or environment. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Lotus switch is currently unavailable. Remember that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lotus switch lacks available information on its feel. However, the WS Onion switch is known for offering a buttery and polished keystroke experience. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid typing sensation, while a polished switch indicates a refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. With these qualities, the WS Onion switch promises a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing experience that minimizes friction and provides smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch lacks available information on sound and feel, the WS Onion switch impresses with a neutral sound profile and a buttery, polished keystroke experience. Depending on your preferences and requirements, both switches can provide satisfying results, with the WS Onion offering a more detailed description of its subjective qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Lotus may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke feel, a medium-heavy bottom out force, and a more refined typing experience, the WS Onion would be a great choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics and it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Happy typing!
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