Outemu Lotus vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Lotus linear switch with the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it's important to consider the key differences in their typing experiences. The Lotus is best known for its None, while the Silent Brown is renowned for its comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The Lotus is categorized as [], whereas the Silent Brown falls into the categories of 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers unique benefits for different preferences and typing styles; 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the TTC Silent Brown switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Lotus's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, whereas the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both switches shares similar characteristics, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the differentiation in top housing material between the two switches results in distinct sound and feel when typing.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Lotus and Silent Brown differ in their top housing materials, leading to variations in sound and feel. The Lotus's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, mirroring the effects of its top housing material. In contrast, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing brings similar qualities to the bottom-out sound, but its polycarbonate top housing adds a sharper and crisper touch to the overall sound profile. This combination creates a unique typing experience for users of both switches.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch allows for a nuanced typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Lotus and Silent Brown switches, the contrasting top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate showcase how different plastics can affect the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of a switch. Ultimately, users can choose between the deeper, fuller sound of nylon or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate based on their preference for typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams whereas the Silent Brown needs 63.5 grams, making it the heavier option. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Silent Brown provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Silent Brown offers a slightly deeper travel which may feel more substantial to some users. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Lotus may be the better option, while those desiring a bit more depth in the key press may lean towards the Silent Brown. Despite their slight difference in travel distance, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of key feel and actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 linear switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinctly different experiences. The Lotus switch's sound profile remains unknown, while the Silent Brown switch is characterized as producing a muted sound. This means that the Silent Brown switch will offer a quieter typing experience compared to a regular or clacky switch, minimizing the noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Lotus switch's tactile characteristics are unspecified, while the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as offering a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. This implies that the Silent Brown switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, with a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. The polished finish of the switch contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lotus linear switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch's characteristics remain unknown, the Silent Brown switch is praised for its muted sound profile and buttery, mild, and polished typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch with no specific standout feature, the Outemu Lotus may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, a medium-heavy bottom out force, and a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels best for your typing style and needs.
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