TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that deliver distinct tactile experiences. The TTC Flaming Pink switch stands out for its smooth, responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, which creates a premium typing experience that is well-suited for gamers and everyday users alike. Featuring a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, these switches offer a balanced auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch boasts a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, delivering a bright, resonant sound and an exhilaratingly bouncy feel that turns every keystroke into a delightful experience. Both switches are linear designs, emphasizing a smooth actuation without a tactile bump, but they cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Lotus utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct audio properties in their overall sound profiles. The Flaming Pink leverages polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and transparency, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's ability to resonate effectively allows for a cleaner auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated, enhancing visual effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the Lotus employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more than polycarbonate, thus offering a rounder and more muted auditory experience. This contrast indicates a substantial difference in tactile feedback and sound characteristics that users may experience when typing on the two switches.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring that certain tonal qualities resonate similarly between them. The ringing of nylon's softer structure contributes to a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound and feel across both models. This shared material brings a cohesive element to their sound profiles, albeit potentially affected by the differing top housing materials. As users press down on the keys, the impact of the nylon bottom housing becomes apparent, stabilizing the overall sound quality and enhancing the typing experience in a way that is especially characteristic of switches that prioritize sound absorption.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials between the Flaming Pink and Lotus create distinct audio profiles that can appeal to different user preferences. The sharper, more resonant sound of the Flaming Pink contrasts with the rounded, softer tones produced by the Lotus. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches serves to mitigate some of these differences, providing a baseline of sound softness and fullness regardless of the top. Ultimately, users can expect unique experiences based on the variances in the upper materials while still enjoying the benefits of nylon in enhancing the similarities in sound depth and feel.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Lotus linear switches both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them appealing options for those who prefer a more gentle typing experience. The Flaming Pink has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Lotus requires a slightly heavier force of 45 grams to actuate. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that they provide a consistent feedback at full depression. The Flaming Pink can be characterized as the lighter switch due to its lower actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Lotus, with its marginally higher actuation force, offers a slightly stronger push feel, appealing to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are on the light end of the spectrum, their actuation forces cater to slightly different preferences regarding typing feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Lotus linear switches, the Flaming Pink has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the Lotus measures 3.5 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it plays a notable role in the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Flaming Pink, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience that some users appreciate, particularly those who prefer a deeper feel to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Lotus, being the shorter option, aligns well with the preferences of gamers who seek faster response times and a heightened sense of agility in their key presses. Overall, users looking for increased responsiveness might lean toward the HMX Lotus, while those who enjoy a deeper feedback may find the TTC Flaming Pink more appealing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch features a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, making it pleasant for both gaming and office environments. Users can expect a satisfying bottom-out sound that adds enjoyment to the typing experience without being intrusive. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch produces a bright, resonant sound that adds a layer of acoustic feedback to your keystrokes. The sound characteristics of each switch, while distinct, rely on external factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material, meaning players and typists may experience variations based on their personal setups.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is renowned for its smooth and responsive actuation, delivering a consistent and premium typing experience. This level of smoothness is crucial for many typists, as it minimizes finger fatigue over prolonged use. The HMX Lotus switch, on the other hand, is characterized by its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out and offers a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke, which can add an element of playfulness to typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide enjoyable tactile sensations, but the Flaming Pink’s smoothness contrasts with the more buoyant touch of the Lotus, catering to different preferences in how a switch feels during use.
In summary, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Lotus switches present unique attributes that appeal to different types of users. The Flaming Pink excels with a smooth feel and a balanced sound profile, while the Lotus offers a bouncier typing experience complemented by its resonant sound. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a streamlined typing experience or a lively, responsive feel, but you can expect a satisfying performance from either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Lotus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday tasks, the Flaming Pink switches may be your best option. Their relatively light actuation and sound profile strike a balance that makes them versatile for various applications. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound that delights with every keystroke, the HMX Lotus switches are a great choice. They offer a similar bottom-out force but bring a different tactile experience that some may find more enjoyable. Therefore, consider what aspects—whether it be sound, feel, or overall experience—are most important to you before making your decision.
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