TTC Gold Red vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red 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 and HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Red linear switch is celebrated for its buttery smooth actuation and light to medium resistance, creating a comfortable typing experience that is both efficient and enjoyable. Its low-pitched, polished sound profile adds a subtle charm without overwhelming the senses, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a more refined auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) brings a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g alongside a bright, resonant sound that creates a lively, bouncy feel with every keystroke. This may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile auditory experience and a noticeable heft in their switch action. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their contrasting weights and sound profiles can significantly affect the 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches feature distinct housing materials that contribute to their respective acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality of polycarbonate allows for a clear resonance that enhances the overall auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved, illuminating the housing's transparency effectively. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon material absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output when typing—contrasting sharply with the Gold Red’s brighter sound signature.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, they actually share the same material—nylon. This similarity means that both the Gold Red and Lotus (Heavy) switches deliver a consistent, deeper sound quality and tactile feedback during key presses that stem from the nylon. Although the Gold Red’s bottom housing contributes to a deeper overall sound akin to the Lotus, the combination of its polycarbonate top housing introduces an additional complexity to the sound profile. The Gold Red's top housing heightens the higher frequencies, while the nylon bottom potentiates the lower frequencies, leading to a unique interaction between the two materials. This results in a hybrid sound experience compared to the Lotus (Heavy), which maintains a uniform tonal quality due to its all-nylon construction.
Overall, the combination of materials in both switches leads to diverse auditory experiences. While the Gold Red’s polycarbonate top offers clarity and brightness, the nylon elements, shared by both the Gold Red and Lotus (Heavy), provide a fuller, richer sound for the key actuation. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, the tactile response is consistent, leveraging the properties of nylon—creating a shared aspect of their performance profile. However, upon releasing the key, the Gold Red's distinct polycarbonate top will elicit a sharper sound experience while the Lotus (Heavy) remains grounded in its deeper auditory realm. Thus, users can select between a more versatile auditory experience with the Gold Red and a consistent deeper sound signature with the Lotus (Heavy) while still enjoying the benefits of the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Gold Red features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons due to its reduced strain on fingers. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more tactile, substantial feel when typing. This marked difference in forces indicates that the Gold Red is the lighter option, whereas the Lotus is heavier, thus catering to distinct preferences in user experience. Overall, while the Gold Red is ideal for light users, the heavier Lotus offers a firmer response for those seeking a more robust feedback in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches, the TTC Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distances can impact the typing experience significantly. The Gold Red's 4 mm distance aligns with more traditional mechanical switch standards, providing a deeper, more substantial feel that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Lotus, with its 3.5 mm travel, caters to those who favor a quicker, more responsive keystroke, which can be advantageous for gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke might lean towards the TTC Gold Red for its greater depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch emits a thocky sound profile, characterized by deep, rich tones that produce a satisfying auditory response when keys are pressed and released. This low-pitched quality, along with its neutral sound signature, makes it versatile for different environments, appealing to both beginners and experienced users alike without being overly intrusive. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch are not specified, which leaves an unknown variable in how it might compare in this aspect. However, it's important to remember that the sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the chosen keyboard plate and keycap material, making them potentially similar in auditory experience depending on the configuration.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red switches excel with their mild, silky, and polished characteristics. They provide a gentle and smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and creating a refined touch with every keystroke, making it approachable and comfortable for extended use. Unfortunately, the specific properties of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch's feel are not described, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, given that it is labeled as a “heavy” switch with a weight of 62.5g, it may offer a noticeable difference in resistance compared to the Gold Red.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out with its defined auditory and tactile qualities that cater to a wide audience due to their smooth and neutral characteristics, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) presents an unknown feel and sound profile that could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The lack of information on the Lotus’s sound and tactile feedback keeps it shrouded in mystery, suggesting a careful selection process for those interested. Ultimately, potential users can anticipate smooth and satisfying performance from both switches, but the Gold Red offers a more documented and proven experience for those seeking an immediate choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preference. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that offers buttery smoothness combined with a modest, thocky sound profile, the Gold Red switch is an excellent choice. It’s especially suitable if you often type for long periods or work in a shared space, as its mild sound and silky feel reduce resistance and are unlikely to disturb others. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and bouncy keystroke with a bit more weight behind each press, the Lotus (Heavy) switch may be the better fit for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force and resonant sound, it provides a delightful typing experience that can enhance your gaming or typing sessions, especially if you're looking for a switch that delivers satisfying feedback. Therefore, consider what aspect of the keystroke experience is more vital to you—lightness and smoothness or medium resistance and bounciness—before making your decision.
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