TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and precision. Its shortened travel distance ensures that each keystroke feels satisfying with a solid bottom-out, complemented by a pleasant, low-pitched sound signature. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch delivers a delightful bounciness with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, paired with a bright and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. While the Gold Silver excels in smoothness and rapid action, the Lotus (Heavy) emphasizes a tactile experience with its satisfying weight. Both switches possess distinct qualities that might appeal to different users—whether you're chasing the agility of the Gold Silver or the delightful feedback of the Lotus (Heavy). 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) present distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which ultimately influence the sound profile of each switch. The Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate, which encourages a clearer and more resonant acoustic experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Gold Silver emphasizes a brighter tone, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a richer, more muted sound.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which plays a critical role in shaping the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing for the Gold Silver, much like that of the Lotus (Heavy), imparts a deeper sound profile. Due to the material's inherent qualities, both switches benefit from a fuller acoustic response at the bottom-out phase. This similarity means that despite the differing top housing materials, the experience in sound and feel when pressing the switches remains consistent in that they both offer a solid impact upon bottoming out, relying on the absorptive qualities of nylon to produce a well-rounded auditory experience.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to comparable results in certain aspects of sound profile and user experience. The Gold Silver’s polycarbonate top promotes a brighter sound when releasing a key, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance, whereas the Lotus (Heavy) focuses on a deeper tone during both the press and release due to its nylon top. Ultimately, these contrasts between the brighter and deeper tones create unique yet complementary typing experiences, where users can appreciate the nuances of each switch based on their housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option when compared to the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, which has a higher actuation force of 55 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch may find the Gold Silver more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch is unspecified, while the Lotus switch has a defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This indicates a more substantial resistance when reaching the bottom of the keypress with the Lotus. Consequently, while both switches serve different preferences, users seeking a lighter feel may gravitate towards the TTC Gold Silver, whereas those desiring a firmer push would likely benefit from the HMX Lotus (Heavy) due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is 3.5 mm, indicating that users will experience a similar keypress feel when using either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect equivalent feedback and response during typing or gaming. Therefore, neither switch is longer or shorter than the other; they provide a unified experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched tone that lends a deep, rich auditory experience to every keystroke. This resonant sound signature contributes to the satisfaction of using the switch, as each press culminates in a soft "thud" or knock that users often find appealing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a bright, resonant sound, although specifics about its tonal qualities are not detailed. It's worth noting that the sound produced by both switches can vary significantly based on the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used, potentially allowing a user to achieve similar auditory results depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels with its polished and silky smooth properties, resulting in a refined typing experience characterized by minimal friction. This leads to a mild and subtle tactile sensation that many typists find approachable and comfortable, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users alike. On the other hand, the feedback provided by the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is described as super bouncy due to its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g. However, without extensive details on its smoothness or resistance, comparisons to the Gold Silver might be limited.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Lotus (Heavy) have their unique strengths, with the Gold Silver offering a rich sound and a notably smooth feel, while the HMX Lotus is marked by its heavier weight and brightness. For users looking for a typing experience characterized by fluidity and satisfying acoustics, the Gold Silver may be preferable. Conversely, those who enjoy a bit more resistance with a bouncy feedback might gravitate towards the Lotus. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can provide a fulfilling experience; however, achieving similarly satisfying results might require specific adjustments in keycap choice and keyboard configuration.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing style. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a seamless, smooth keystroke experience, the TTC Gold Silver is a fantastic option. Its low actuation force combined with a polished, silky feel allows for quick and effortless typing, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios where every millisecond counts. Additionally, its thocky and low-pitched sound can be satisfying and unobtrusive in a shared environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile sensation with a deliberate feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) might be the right choice for you. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams, these switches provide a bouncy and engaging typing experience that some users find enjoyable, especially for extended typing sessions or when you need a little more feedback to ensure you’ve bottomed out the key. Ultimately, consider how you like to type and play when deciding which switch aligns best with your needs.
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