TTC Brother vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially between distinct types like clicky and linear switches. The TTC Brother clicky switch is a beloved option among enthusiasts, lauded for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, which promotes effortless typing while delivering a satisfying crunchy sound with each keystroke. Its tactile bump provides clear feedback without being overly pronounced, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy auditory and tactile stimulation while typing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, characterized by a smooth and bouncy feel that enhances the typing experience. This switch is perfect for users seeking a quieter option as it lacks the audible click, while still providing a sense of responsiveness and fluidity. Both switches cater to different typing preferences: the Brother for those who appreciate clicks and tactile feedback, and the Lotus for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. 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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
The TTC Brother and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which in turn results in contrasting sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the stiffness of the material. This characteristic helps produce a clear and resonant sound profile that pairs well with RGB lighting, given its translucency. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which lends itself to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more effectively, leading to the duller and rounder acoustics that many users appreciate. This fundamental difference in top housing materials leads to varied auditory experiences when typing, as the Brother emphasizes clarity while the Lotus emphasizes warmth.
On the bottom housing front, both the Brother and the Lotus (Heavy) feature nylon, making their lower sections similar and influencing the sound in ways that blur the lines between the two. The use of nylon in both switches leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a more subdued auditory feedback. The similarity in bottom housing materials means that when users press down on either switch, they will experience a substantial impact on the bottom-out feel and sound due to nylon's inherent properties. As a result, both switches can maintain a level of cohesive sound despite their differences in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of materials allows for a dynamic interplay of sound qualities in both the TTC Brother and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches. While the Brother's polycarbonate top introduces a crisp clarity, the Lotus's nylon top offers a more rounded experience, with both benefiting from nylon's impact on the bottom housing. Therefore, while users might favor one model over the other based on their preference for sound profiles, a shared bottom housing material creates a degree of similarity, ensuring that both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback and auditory responses. This mixture of contrasting and similar materials creates unique yet relatable experiences for users, each catering to different sensory preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different preferences in typing feel. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press, which can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or enjoy a less strenuous experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This suggests a firmer and more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a stronger feel in their keystrokes. Furthermore, while the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, the Lotus's clear bottom out force of 62.5 grams reinforces its overall heavier design. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch for prolonged use may prefer the Brother, while those who favor a more robust response will likely gravitate towards the HMX Lotus.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in terms of how far each switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable tactile experience and a similar actuation feel when using either switch. Consequently, whether one chooses the clicky feedback of the Brother or the smoothness of the Lotus (Heavy), the result in travel distance will be the same, providing an efficient and satisfying typing experience.
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 (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
The sound profile of the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its distinctly crunchy audio feedback, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This clicking sound not only enhances the experience for clicky switch enthusiasts but also ensures an engaging and satisfying auditory punctuation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch features a bright, resonant sound, although specifics regarding its sound characteristics are not elaborated upon. The combination of its resonant qualities might provide a pleasant auditory experience, but without the explicit crunch of the Brother switch.
When considering the feel of each switch, the TTC Brother offers an easy-to-press tactile experience, requiring just 37g of actuation force. This lightweight action minimizes finger fatigue, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, its stepped tactile feedback provides a distinct transition during key presses, allowing users to feel a clear yet mild response throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch boasts a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, offering a bounciness that likely enhances the typing experience. However, the specifics of its tactile feedback remain unspecified.
Overall, the TTC Brother and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches provide distinct experiences in sound and feel tailored to different typing preferences. The Brother's crunchy auditory signature and light actuation force cater to those who appreciate clicky switches and a responsive typing experience, while the Lotus's resonant qualities and heavier actuation may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on an individual's personal preference for tactile feedback, sound, and typing comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you lean toward a typing experience that combines auditory satisfaction with light actuation, the Brother switch might be your go-to option. Its low actuation force of 37g allows for easy and effortless typing, which can significantly reduce finger fatigue during long sessions. The clicky and crunchy sound signature enhances the experience further, making it a delight for those who cherish audible feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel beneath your fingers, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offers a robust bottom-out force of 62.5g that may appeal to individuals who enjoy a firmer, more tactile keystroke. This switch provides a super bouncy sensation on each keystroke while maintaining a quieter profile compared to clicky switches, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. Ultimately, if you crave a lively and engaging typing experience, go for the Brother; but if you desire a solid, linear feel, the Lotus (Heavy) may be the better choice for you.
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