Outemu Lotus vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent White, also a linear switch. The Lotus switch is renowned for its smooth and consistent actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a linear feel. On the other hand, the Silent White switch is recognized for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who value a quieter typing experience. While the Lotus switch may appeal to users seeking a smooth typing experience, the Silent White switch could be more appealing to those looking to reduce noise levels. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Silent White both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Lotus featuring a nylon top housing and bottom housing while the Silent White has a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent White creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is more clear and resonant. This difference in housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, catering to different preferences for sound profiles.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the two switches, both the Lotus and the Silent White share the classic switch housing material of nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on both switches, as nylon is known for absorbing sound and creating a rounder sound. The main distinction between the two switches lies in their top housing materials, with the Lotus featuring nylon for its top housing and the Silent White utilizing the stiffer plastic polycarbonate. This variance in top housing materials affects the sharpness and clarity of the sound produced by the switches, providing a unique typing experience.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch affects the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material come into play, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material has a more significant influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance of characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Lotus switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Silent White switch, which requires 45 grams to actuate. Similarly, the Lotus switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Silent White switch, which bottoms out at 60 grams. This means that the Lotus switch offers a lighter typing experience overall. The weight of a switch is important as it can affect the comfort and endurance of the user during long typing or gaming sessions. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Lotus switch for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier Silent White switch for a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 3.3 mm. While some mechanical keyboard switches may vary in their travel distance, these two switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. This allows for a consistent feel and response when typing on a keyboard equipped with either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch is the same, providing users with a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Silent White.
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 known for its smooth keystrokes. When it comes to sound, the Lotus switch produces a soft and gentle typing sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is designed to minimize noise, providing a nearly silent typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes sound reduction, the Silent White switch would be the better option.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Lotus switch offers a responsive and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Silent White switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, ideal for users who prefer a linear typing experience. Ultimately, your preference for either a tactile or linear feel will determine which switch suits you best.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Lotus and Outemu Silent White switches differ in sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter typing sound with the Silent White switch or a more tactile feel with the Lotus switch, both options provide reliable performance for your mechanical keyboard needs. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and prioritize a smoother keystroke feel, the Lotus switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Silent White switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences for key feel, sound, and force, so take these factors into consideration when making your selection.
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