TTC Gold Red Pro vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present compelling yet distinct options for users seeking an optimal typing experience. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its remarkable versatility; its smooth operation and neutral sound profile make it a great fit for a variety of settings, be it gaming, office work, or casual typing. It caters to users looking for a switch that provides a seamless and unobtrusive feedback experience, characterized by a silky touch and balanced feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is geared towards those who enjoy a more tactile push with its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound, offering a bouncy keystroke that can make typing feel invigorating and enjoyable. While both switches serve specific preferences well, their differing weights and sound profiles can significantly influence your overall typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), there are distinct differences that influence the overall typing experience. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, notable for its stiffness and translucency, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material not only enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke but also complements RGB lighting setups exceptionally well, as the polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) incorporates a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer composition. This choice of material results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, thus producing a more subdued auditory experience. The contrasting sound characteristics between the polycarbonate and nylon top housings can significantly alter the user's perception of keystrokes.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize nylon material. This shared aspect means that the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced similarly in both switches. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound leads to a rounder and less piercing auditory response, creating a cohesive sound experience from the base of each switch. Consequently, despite the differences in the top housing materials, the bottom housings’ shared nylon characteristic ensures users will experience a consistent depth and fullness in sound on both switches when bottoming out.
The combination of different top housing materials with the same nylon bottom housing creates a unique sound profile for each switch. While the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top produces sharper and more resonant sounds on release, the Lotus (Heavy) employs its nylon top to deliver softer and deeper tones, particularly on keystrokes. When typing with the Gold Red Pro, users will notice a more vibrant and bright sound upon releasing a key, while the Lotus (Heavy) will offer a muffled and rounded sound experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results thanks to their nylon bottoms, but the mix of potential auditory feedback and tactile feel largely stems from the distinct top housing materials, underscoring the nuanced experience each switch offers.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in terms of actuation force. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons without too much strain. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Regarding bottom out force, the Gold Red Pro leaves us with an unknown value, while the Lotus switch provides a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, suggesting a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed. This makes the Lotus switch heavier overall, which may appeal to users seeking a more solid typing experience. If they had similar values, users would experience a comparable performance, but with the Gold Red Pro's lighter actuation force and uncertain bottom out, the two switches distinctly cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Gold Red Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Gold Red Pro provides a deeper keypress experience, which can be more satisfying for users who prefer a fuller tactile sensation when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance, catering to those who favor quicker actuation for enhanced responsiveness, often preferred in competitive gaming environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding key feel and responsiveness—those who appreciate a hearty depth may gravitate toward the Gold Red Pro, whereas users seeking swift key response might opt for the Lotus (Heavy).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch features a neutral sound signature characterized as thocky and low-pitched, producing a deep and satisfying tone during key presses. This versatility makes the Gold Red Pro ideal for various environments, whether gaming, professional work, or casual typing, without being overly intrusive. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is known for its bright and resonant sound. While specifics about the Lotus’s auditory qualities are less defined in comparison, it can be inferred that its auditory profile may lend itself to a more pronounced sound, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback during typing.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro boasts a polished and silky smooth typing experience, with a mild and subtle resistance. This results in fluid key travel that is approachable for both novice and experienced typists. The tactile feedback is soft and allows for a seamless typing flow without excessive effort or physical strain. Meanwhile, the attributes of the Lotus (Heavy) switch, particularly concerning its feel, remain unspecified. However, given its classification as a "Heavy" switch with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, it can be expected to provide a more pronounced resistance compared to the Gold Red Pro, potentially contributing to a more vigorous keystroke experience that users may find satisfying.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is celebrated for its versatility, neutral sound, and smooth typing feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch promises a more pronounced auditory feedback and a bouncier keystroke, backed by its heavier weight. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to select based on their typing style and auditory environment. If you are looking for a balanced experience, the Gold Red Pro will deliver smoothness and dynamics, while the Lotus (Heavy) might attract those who desire a little more resistance and brightness in their typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the context in which you will use your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth, polished, and mild typing experience that caters to a variety of tasks—be it gaming, office work, or casual typing—the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. Its easy actuation and neutral sound profile make it versatile enough for multiple environments, allowing you to type comfortably for long periods without fatigue or distraction. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch provides a satisfying resistance with its 62.5g bottom out force, creating a tactile and slightly bouncy sensation that can enhance your typing enjoyment. Additionally, its bright sound adds an engaging auditory element, making each keystroke feel lively and responsive. Ultimately, let your typing style, sound preference, and the intended use of your keyboard guide your decision between these two distinctive switches.
Mentioned in this article
