TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Lotus offer two distinct options for enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience. The Bluish White switch is popular for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Lotus switch by HMX offers a linear feel with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, creating a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. Each switch has its unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and HMX Lotus switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housing material, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The differences in the top housing materials, however, set the two switches apart. The Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Lotus's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the TTC Bluish White allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. This material choice gives the Bluish White a unique look and sound profile. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing does not offer the same level of translucency or light diffusion capabilities, but it does provide a different tactile and auditory typing experience. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles and aesthetics.
Overall, while both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, the distinction in their top housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Lotus's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience depending on the user's preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with a light touch, making them ideal for extended typing sessions. The slight difference in actuation force between the two switches is negligible and users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Bluish White switch, while those who prefer a slightly firmer feel may opt for the Lotus switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will get a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Both switches offer a medium travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The equal travel distance makes them suitable for users who prefer a consistent typing feel across different keyboards. Whether you choose the TTC Bluish White or the HMX Lotus, you can expect a similar travel distance and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch is known for its low-pitched profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and resonant sound, making every keystroke feel lively and vibrant. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches can be further impacted by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch is recognized for its buttery and mild typing experience. This means that the keystrokes feel smooth and fluid, offering a gentle and approachable sensation for most users. Additionally, the stepped design of these switches provides a subtle tactile feedback, making the typing experience polished and refined. On the contrary, there is no specific information provided about the feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch. Given that both switches are likely to offer pleasing typing experiences, users can expect similar results in terms of comfort and usability.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Bluish White is praised for its low-pitched sound and buttery, mild feel, the Lotus stands out with its bright and resonant sound profile. Regardless of the specific characteristics, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience that users can enjoy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, the TTC Bluish White switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium weight and a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke, the HMX Lotus switches would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your typing style and desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard.