TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics. The Flaming Purple is renowned for its resonant character, offering a slightly bassier sound signature that adds an engaging auditory flair to every keystroke. With a bottom-out force of just 47g, this switch provides a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus features a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. While both switches offer distinct advantages, such as the Flaming Purple's silky feel and the Lotus's delightfully bouncy feedback, a more in-depth exploration is necessary to determine the best switch for your specific preferences. In this comparison, we'll delve deeper into the unique qualities of each switch to help you make an informed decision based on your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Lotus, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, the top housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Flaming Purple featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Lotus using a nylon top housing. The Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This difference in top housing material is likely to result in a noticeable variation in sound and feel when typing on the two switches.
Overall, while both the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Lotus utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in their top housing materials - polycarbonate for the Flaming Purple and nylon for the Lotus - will likely lead to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall feel and acoustics of a keyboard switch, and the differences in material between the top and bottom housings of these two switches highlight the importance of considering all aspects of a switch's construction for a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall on the lighter side in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch. However, the Lotus switch does require slightly more force for both actuation and bottoming out compared to the Flaming Purple. For individuals who favor a lighter typing experience, either of these switches would provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for the slight difference in force required.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Lotus' 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be drastic, but it could be notable to those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the Flaming Purple offering a slightly longer distance and the Lotus having a slightly shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched profile, creating a resonant and engaging auditory experience with a touch of poppy undertones. On the other hand, the sound of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, potentially leading to similar results in sound quality.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is praised for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, offering a light 47g bottom-out force that ensures swift and effortless typing with minimal finger strain. This smooth and silky typing experience enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, information on the feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not provided, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its resonant sound profile with bassy undertones and feathery feel with a low 47g bottom-out force. While details on the sound and feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch are missing, both switches may offer similar results depending on external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the HMX Lotus linear switch, you should take into account your preference for sound and feel. If you appreciate a deeper, bassier sound profile and a feathery, easy-to-press typing experience, the TTC Flaming Purple with its 47g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy feeling with a slightly higher bottom out force of 50g, the HMX Lotus switch might be the better option for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when selecting your mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
