Outemu Lotus vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf offer unique typing experiences for users. The Lotus is a linear switch, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, offering a satisfying bump and click with each key press. The Lotus may be preferred for its consistent and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office settings or gamers who prefer a linear feel. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's tactile feedback can help improve typing accuracy and provide a more enjoyable typing experience for those who appreciate the tactile 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel when using either switch. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. This similarity in housing material underscores the consistent typing experience that users can expect from both the Lotus and the Maple Leaf switches.
While both the Lotus and the Maple Leaf switches share the use of nylon for their top and bottom housings, there may still be subtle differences in how each switch feels and sounds due to other factors at play. The way the top and bottom housings interact with the internal components of the switches can impact the overall typing experience. For example, the bottom housing may have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing may have a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. These nuances in construction can result in slight variations in sound and feel between the Lotus and Maple Leaf switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Maple Leaf will likely come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of nylon for housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of switches made with softer plastics. Whether users prefer the Lotus's housing construction over the Maple Leaf's or vice versa may depend on their specific typing needs and preferences. Overall, the consistent use of nylon in both switches ensures a reliable and enjoyable typing experience for those who prefer the characteristics of switches made with this classic housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lotus linear switch to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there is a notable difference in the actuation force and bottom out force. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the heavier 55 grams required by the Maple Leaf. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Lotus at 50 grams is lighter than the 65 grams needed for the Maple Leaf. This means that the Lotus switch will feel lighter and require less force to type on compared to the Maple Leaf switch, which provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Overall, the Lotus switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the Maple Leaf switch is more appropriate for users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom will be the same. Whether you choose the Lotus or the Maple Leaf, you can expect a consistent and similar feel in terms of travel distance. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with a standard travel distance, making them both suitable options for those looking for a reliable key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Lotus and Maple Leaf.
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 often praised for its smooth and silent keystrokes, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is known for its satisfying tactile bump that provides a tactile feedback for each keystroke, which some users find very enjoyable. When it comes to sound, the Lotus switch produces a soft, quiet sound while the Maple Leaf switch produces a slightly louder sound due to the tactile bump.
In terms of feel, the Lotus switch provides a consistent linear feel with a smooth keystroke from top to bottom, allowing for fast and precise typing. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch offers a tactile feedback that gives a slight resistance when pressing the key at the actuation point, providing a more pronounced feedback for each keystroke. Both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of feel and feedback.
Overall, whether you prefer the Outemu Lotus linear switch or the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet typing experience with no tactile feedback, the Lotus switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a tactile bump with a slightly louder sound, the Maple Leaf switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different boards and keycaps will allow you to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing experience. If you are someone who prefers a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, then the Outemu Lotus linear switch with its 50-gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch and enjoy the tactile feedback while typing, then the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch with its 65-gram bottom out force may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and what feels most comfortable to you.
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