TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options arise: the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The TTC Flaming Pink stands out for its smooth and responsive action, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between a premium feel and practicality—making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offering a distinctively bouncy sensation with a bright, resonant sound that promises an enjoyable typing experience. While the Flaming Pink is ideal for those seeking a user-friendly switch with a well-rounded sound profile, the Lotus (Heavy) caters to users who prefer a more tactile feedback and a lively keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for instilling a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to the material's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity when typing. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound waves. Consequently, while the Flaming Pink excels in sharper acoustics, the Lotus (Heavy) benefits from a warmer, rounder auditory experience. This diverse range of top housing materials indicates that these switches will cater to different user preferences, making each one suitable for distinct typing environments.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a sense of uniformity in the overall sound profile produced by each switch. Nylon's properties remain consistent across both models, promoting a duller and rounder sound that contributes to a fuller typing experience. This shared characteristic means that when the bottom-out sound of the switch is engaged, users will experience a similarities across both models, despite the differences introduced by their respective top housings. As such, those leaning toward a softer and deeper auditory feedback during typing will appreciate the commonality found in the bottom housing material regardless of their choice between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top with its nylon bottom creates a unique balance, mixing tones for a varied auditory experience, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a consistently mellow sound from top to bottom with its nylon materials. The variance in top housing materials is crucial in influencing the switches' overall sound signature, while their shared nylon bottoms establish a fundamental similarity in acoustics. Users will find that while they could achieve different auditory effects based on their housing choices, the shared qualities of nylon in both models ensure a baseline of richness and fullness that enhances each switch's appeal for different typing styles and preferences.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This elevated resistance provides a more substantial feel during typing, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, while the Flaming Pink offers a lighter, more effortless typing experience, the HMX Lotus provides a firmer feedback for users who favor a more robust tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the longer switch, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, might be more appealing to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches, however, offer a more modern, shorter travel experience compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, catering to different preferences in feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer the added depth of the Flaming Pink or the brisk action of the Lotus (Heavy).
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 (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 TTC Flaming Pink switch produces a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, providing a pleasant auditory experience that's suitable for both gaming and typing. Its bottom-out sound is satisfying and contributes to an overall premium feel, making it versatile for various use cases. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch delivers a bright and resonant sound, which can be quite engaging during use. This bright quality, combined with its resonant nature, may create a more pronounced auditory feedback that could make every keystroke feel rewarding. Both switches emphasize sound quality, but the Flaming Pink focuses more on a balanced typing experience with a softer auditory footprint, whereas the Lotus presents a sharper and more pronounced sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a smooth and responsive typing experience. It is designed to minimize friction, allowing for effortless keystrokes that elevate the typing experience. This smoothness makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch features a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a super bouncy sensation, which adds a tactile thrill to each press. This heavier actuation force means that those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke will find enjoyment in its responsiveness, making it feel more engaging while typing or gaming.
In summary, both the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Flaming Pink excels with its smooth feel and balanced sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) impresses with its bouncy feel and bright, resonant sound, appealing to users who appreciate a heavier action and more pronounced auditory feedback. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound and feel; however, those seeking an enjoyable typing or gaming experience will find both options capable of delivering satisfying results.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. Its lighter actuation of 50 grams allows for quicker key presses, which can enhance your speed during intense gaming sessions or when typing at an accelerated pace. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback of a medium-heavy switch and appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) could be more suitable for you. With a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Lotus switch provides a bouncy sensation that many find gratifying, especially for long typing sessions or when you're really getting into a game. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you value a lighter, smoother touch over a heftier, more pronounced keystroke feel.
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