TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options often hinges on personal preferences and typing experiences. The TTC Bluish White switch is a tactile switch that offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, characterized by a snappy sound profile that enhances feedback and engagement with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate that tactile bump, providing both comfort and auditory confirmation with every press. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is a linear switch that distinguishes itself with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound. This combination delivers a super bouncy feeling that many users find exhilarating, particularly those who prefer smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes without the tactile feedback of a bump. Each switch has its own merits: the Bluish White excels in tactile feedback and sound for a more engaging typing experience, while the Lotus (Heavy) emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness for those who prefer a more fluid motion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), notable differences in sound profile and material properties emerge. The top housing of the Bluish White, made from polycarbonate, offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction arises from polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. This quality makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for applications involving RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects when combined with illumination. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, known for providing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, allowing for a warmer acoustic result, which is preferred for those seeking a more subdued typing experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates an interesting dynamic in their overall sound and feel. The inclusion of nylon in both the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) results in a similar auditory foundation, characterized by a deeper and more sonorous typing sound. This shared bottom housing material means that when typing, users will experience consistent sound characteristics, with the more muted and rounded nuances elicited from the nylon. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will exhibit a comparable response in that regard, regardless of their top housing differences.
Ultimately, this division of materials illustrates how the mix of polycarbonate and nylon shapes the sound experience. The polycarbonate top of the TTC Bluish White provides a lively and bright upper acoustics, while the nylon across both switch designs ensures a harmonious and consistent typing experience. Consequently, though the two switches may appear different in terms of their top housing materials, their nylon bottom housings allow for a convergence in tactile and auditory sensations that users will find familiar, delivering an overall impressive performance.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and resistive experience when typing. With these specifications, while the Bluish White is lighter overall, the Lotus offers a firmer response, suitable for users seeking a stronger push feel. Thus, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference for either a lighter, more effortless keystroke or a heavier, more deliberate typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is 3.5 mm, indicating that they share the same measurement when it comes to the distance a key travels when pressed. This means that users will experience a similar feel in terms of the depth and responsiveness of the keypress with either switch. Since both switches feature the same travel distance, the tactile feedback and the overall actuation experience will be consistent across both options, providing a uniform typing or gaming experience.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 considering the sound profiles of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the differences are quite noteworthy. The Bluish White is characterized by a low-pitched sound, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that contributes to a satisfying auditory experience during typing. This sound can be described as snappy, particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback in their acoustic experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the Lotus (Heavy) remains less detailed, but it is noted for its bright and resonant qualities. This suggests that while both switches can offer an engaging sound, they will cater to different auditory preferences, with the Bluish White favoring a deeper sound and the Lotus (Heavy) leaning towards a crisper tone.
Turning to the feel, the Bluish White brings a variety of nuanced tactile sensations to the typing experience. The buttery action allows for smooth and fluid keystrokes that feel effortless, complemented by a mild nature that makes them approachable for users new to mechanical keyboards. The stepped characteristic adds to this complexity, giving the user a sense of distinct stages in their typing, which can enhance precision and control. Furthermore, the subtle resistance provides a gentle yet satisfying feedback, while the polished finish ensures reduced friction for a sleek experience. In contrast, the feel qualities of the Lotus (Heavy) are not specifically detailed. However, it is known for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, which may contribute to a solid, grounded typing experience often appreciated in linear switches.
In summary, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch delivers a rich sound profile coupled with a multi-faceted tactile experience characterized by nuances like smoothness and gentle resistance. On the other hand, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a bright and resonant sound, its specific tactile qualities remain less defined. For those seeking varied sensory experiences, the Bluish White may be preferable, while users looking for a heavier linear feel might find satisfaction in the Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, and both options are likely to provide enjoyable keystrokes in their respective ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, the Bluish White is an excellent option; its low-pitched sound profile paired with a buttery and polished feel ensures a smooth, enjoyable typing session while also being approachable for diverse applications, including gaming and everyday tasks. Conversely, if you're looking for a switch that offers a firmer, more substantial feel with a medium-heavy actuation force, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) would be a better fit. Its bright, resonant sound and bouncy responsiveness can enhance your typing satisfaction, especially if you appreciate a more robust feedback from your keystrokes. Overall, consider what type of sound and tactile feedback you find most pleasing, and select accordingly to ensure that your mechanical keyboard experience aligns with your individual needs.