TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Lotus (Heavy) serve as two compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown, renowned for its balanced performance, features a gentle tactile bump and a moderate actuation force that strikes a harmonious blend between feedback and ease of use. Its rounded sound profile offers a softer acoustics experience, making it ideal for both quiet environments and general typing tasks. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch stands out with a heavier actuation force of 62.5g, delivering a bouncy sensation and a bright, resonant sound with each keystroke—a feature that many gamers and rapid typists find exhilarating. While you might lean towards the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown for a more traditional typing experience, the smooth action of the Lotus (Heavy) could appeal to those seeking speed and fluidity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Brown and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches exhibit a distinct divergence in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Gold Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, making it particularly adept at producing a sharper and crisper sound. This characteristic is advantageous for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, especially in setups with RGB lighting, where the polycarbonate’s clear nature allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer, more absorbent qualities that lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, the auditory experience of the Lotus is inherently rounder and more muted, favoring those who appreciate a less pronounced keystroke sound.

In examining the bottom housing of both switches, we see a similarity that contributes to the overall sound profile. Both the Gold Brown and the Lotus (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a decision rooted in the material's ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience in both cases, as the soft properties of the nylon soften the impact noise during bottoming out. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a cohesive sound characteristic, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback despite their differences in top housing materials.

Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top housing results in varying auditory experiences, while the shared characteristics of their nylon bottom housings provide a foundational sound profile that is both deep and full-bodied. When pressing either switch, the impact of the bottom housing becomes prominent, offering a consistent softness and rounded sound quality. Conversely, the unique qualities of the top housings shape the nuances of sound produced upon key release—where the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing enhances clarity and brightness, the Lotus (Heavy)'s nylon top housing maintains that softer and more muted experience. Therefore, while each switch is unique in terms of material implementation, the similarities in bottom housing allow them to deliver certain comparable auditory results.

Weight

The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch have remarkably similar actuation forces, with both requiring 55 grams to trigger a keystroke, making them feel equally responsive in action. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Gold Brown requiring 63 grams to bottom out, while the Lotus (Heavy) comes in at just 62.5 grams. This means that both switches offer a medium weight experience, but the Gold Brown is marginally heavier at the bottom out stage. For users who favor a lighter typing experience, both switches would be suitable for extended use, especially in work or gaming scenarios. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Gold Brown for its higher bottom out force, despite the close similarities between the two.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference reflects a traditional preference for longer key travel distances, as 4 mm is often considered standard, offering a more substantial feel during keypresses. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Lotus (Heavy) may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times for a more immediate tactile feedback. If you favor a more pronounced depth and typing experience, the Gold Brown switch would be the better choice, while the HMX Lotus could be preferred by those who appreciate a quicker actuation, despite its more abrupt feel. Thus, the Gold Brown provides the longer travel distance, making it ideal for users looking for a deeper keypress, while the Lotus (Heavy) has the advantage of a shorter distance, catering to a more responsive experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a rounded and softer sound profile that is notably neutral. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments, accommodating both beginners and experienced users alike. Its moderate noise level allows for a pleasant typing experience without being overly disruptive in shared spaces. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch delivers a bright, resonant sound that tends to be more pronounced, adding a lively character to each keystroke. This can create an engaging auditory experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing.

In terms of feel, the Gold Brown provides a mild and buttery typing experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. Its tactile bump is accentuated enough to provide feedback without being overwhelming, making it approachable for users who appreciate a balanced typing feel. The polished nature of the Gold Brown ensures smooth key travel, further enhancing the comfort while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a medium-heavy resistance, which contributes to a super bouncy sensation. This can be particularly enjoyable for those who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes, allowing for a satisfying tactile experience that encourages rapid typing without sacrificing precision.

Taking into account the subjective qualities of both switches, the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Lotus (Heavy) cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown excels in providing a balanced, mild, and refined typing experience with a softer sound, suitable for general use in various environments. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a more pronounced auditory impact along with a bouncy, heavier feel, making it ideal for those who delight in tactile feedback and a vibrant sound profile. Ultimately, both switches can deliver enjoyable keystrokes but cater to distinct types of users depending on their preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're seeking a balanced typing experience, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. With its slight tactile bump, medium weight, and neutral sound profile, these switches cater well to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. They provide a mild, buttery feel for smoother keystrokes, making them great for a variety of environments—whether for work or leisure. On the other hand, if you crave an engaging and bouncy typing sensation, the Lotus (Heavy) should be your go-to option. With its resonant sound and a slightly heavier actuation force, it delivers a delightful yet medium-heavy feel that invigorates each keystroke. If you enjoy a more pronounced response without the tactile feedback of a bump, these linear switches offer a unique experience that emphasizes swift and fluid key presses. Ultimately, your choice between these switches boils down to whether you prefer a tactile feel with nuanced feedback or a more straightforward, responsive typing journey.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more