TTC Brother vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the experience can greatly vary based on the type of switch one opts for. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its lightweight feel and distinct auditory feedback, providing an engaging typing experience with a mere 37g actuation force. Its satisfying crunch and tactile bump create a balance that appeals to those who seek both auditory and tactile stimulation while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus, a linear switch, distinguishes itself with a smooth actuation at a medium weight of 50g, producing a bright, resonant sound that offers a delightful bounce with each keystroke. Unlike the Brother, the Lotus provides a quieter operation and a more streamlined feel, ideal for users who prefer an uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming. Each switch has its own unique attributes that cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider your typing style and needs when selecting a switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Lotus, it's important to note the differences in their top housings, which significantly influence the overall sound profile of each switch. The Brother utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Lotus pairs its top housing with nylon, a material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer qualities of nylon allow it to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and less harsh auditory experience. Thus, the choice of top housing material plays a crucial role in defining the tonal characteristics of each switch.
On the other hand, both the TTC Brother and HMX Lotus share a commonality when it comes to their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. This similarity results in a deeper and fuller sound profile across both switches, primarily due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. As both switches feature this classic material in their bottom housings, the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent, providing a pleasant tactile experience with a noticeable resonance. The shared nylon bottom housing allows for similar sound levels when bottoming out, even though the top housings diverge in terms of their material properties and resultant sound profiles.
In summary, while the TTC Brother and HMX Lotus both incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, the differing materials of their top housings lead to distinctive sound experiences. The polycarbonate top of the Brother will ensure a sharper sound, particularly when releasing the key, whereas the nylon top of the Lotus will deliver a warmer, more rounded auditory result during both keypresses and releases. Consequently, users can expect a blend of sound qualities: the Brother aiming for clarity and brightness with the benefits of RGB lighting, and the Lotus focusing on a deeper, more immersive sound experience. Ultimately, even with differing top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottoms helps create a similar foundation for sound characteristics in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the HMX Lotus linear switch, the differences in actuation forces highlight distinct preferences for typing styles. The Brother switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which may appeal to users who favor prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Lotus switch requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feedback while typing. Additionally, the Lotus switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feeling when fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unavailable. Overall, the TTC Brother is the lighter option, while the HMX Lotus is the heavier choice. Those who prioritize a softer touch may lean towards the Brother, while users seeking a more robust typing experience might prefer the Lotus switch.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that users will experience a similar feel when pressing down on the keys for both switches. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches provide a consistent keystroke depth, making them comparable in terms of tactile experience and response. As a result, users can expect similar results in key actuation and overall typing experience when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Brother clicky switch delivers an engaging and pronounced auditory experience that is characterized by a crunchy sound signature. This delightful acoustic feedback is typically likened to the satisfying sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, making each keystroke feel lively and enjoyable. In contrast, while specific sound qualities of the HMX Lotus linear switch are not detailed, it is generally known that linear switches tend to produce a more muted sound due to their lack of a click mechanism. Thus, those who favor a quieter work environment may find the Lotus to be preferable.
Focusing on feel, the TTC Brother switch is designed for ease of pressing, requiring only 37g of actuation force. This lightweight characteristic contributes to a pleasant typing experience, as it allows for quick and effortless keystrokes. The switch also features a stepped tactile response, which means typists will feel a defined bump during their key presses without being overly harsh. On the other hand, while the specific sensations of the Lotus are not elaborated upon, linear switches are generally celebrated for their smoothness. This means that users can anticipate a consistently fluid keypress without the interruption of a tactile bump, which can appeal to those who prefer a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Brother stands out with its expressive, crunchy sound and lightweight, tactile feel, making it a top choice for those who appreciate engaging auditory feedback and a friendly actuation force. Conversely, the Lotus promises a quieter atmosphere with its linear characteristics, appealing to users desiring a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you desire the pop of a clicky switch or the fluidity of a linear switch, but both can provide a satisfying experience in their respective realms.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy the satisfying auditory feedback of clicking sounds and want a lightweight feel to enhance your typing experience, the Brother switch is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of just 37 grams makes typing effortless, allowing for precise typing with less finger fatigue, particularly beneficial during long sessions or when gaming. Additionally, if you appreciate a tactile bump that strikes a balance between distinct feedback without being overwhelming, this switch stands out as an ideal option. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear experience with a more substantial bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Lotus linear switch is worth considering. Its bouncy feeling and bright sound create an engaging typing atmosphere, making it favorable for both gaming and typing tasks that require rapid, fluid movements. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the clicky satisfaction of the Brother or the smooth durability of the Lotus, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different styles and needs, ensuring that your keyboard can be tailored to enhance your overall experience.
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