TTC Ice vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two prominent contenders are the TTC Ice and the HMX Lotus, both linear switches known for their unique characteristics. The TTC Ice distinguishes itself with a stunning transparent design and a smooth, responsive feel that enhances the typing experience, making it an ideal choice for gamers and casual users alike who appreciate a satisfying bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus offers a delightful, bouncy typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, coupled with a bright, resonant sound that appeals to those who enjoy a more engaging keystroke sensation. While both switches promise excellent performance, their distinct features cater to different preferences in the realm of typing and gaming. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the HMX Lotus distinguish themselves through their respective housing materials, which fundamentally affect the auditory experiences and tactile sensations they deliver. The Ice features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, allowing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisp and resonant. This stiffer plastic contributes to its clarity, enhancing the overall typing experience, particularly suited for those who appreciate a more defined auditory feedback when engaging with their keyboard. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, illuminating the switch’s aesthetic appeal while enhancing the sharpness of the sound.
In contrast, the HMX Lotus opts for nylon in both its top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This produces a comfortable typing experience that feels more muted compared to the Ice. The Lotus’s construction is ideal for users looking for a more mellow feedback to their keystrokes, balancing sound and tactile response through the inherent properties of nylon, which dampens noise and promotes a more subtle interaction with each key press.
When comparing the two, the impact of the housing materials can be noted particularly in their sound profiles. While the Ice produces a clearer sound thanks to its stiffer polycarbonate construction, the Lotus leans toward creating a more subdued auditory experience. If one intends to achieve similar results in their keyboard feel or sound despite these differences, they can explore switches that blend the two materials or apply dampening techniques to the Ice to soften its profile. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Ice and HMX Lotus hinges on personal preferences regarding sound clarity versus depth and fullness, shaping an individual’s typing experience based on their unique priorities.
Weight
The TTC Ice and HMX Lotus linear switches present an interesting comparison in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require an equal amount of force to register a keystroke, providing users with a consistent typing feel. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the TTC Ice has a higher force of 60 grams compared to the HMX Lotus's 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Ice switch has a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Lotus, being lighter overall—both in actuation and bottom out forces—may be more suitable for users looking for prolonged comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. So, while the actuation forces are the same, the Ice provides a more pronounced feedback at the bottom, making it a heavier option, while the Lotus is lighter and may contribute to a more fatigue-free experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, we find that the Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Ice switch offers a more pronounced depth when pressing down, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile response. On the other hand, the Lotus switch, with its shorter travel distance, may be more suited for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. In summary, if you enjoy a deeper press, the TTC Ice would be the preferable choice, whereas the HMX Lotus might be the better option for those who favor a more immediate and responsive feel due to its shorter distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound, which complements its smooth action and provides a balanced acoustic profile suitable for both gaming and typing scenarios. In contrast, the HMX Lotus linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant sound that adds a lively dimension to the typing experience. While both switches can deliver an enjoyable auditory feedback, the Ice tends to emphasize a more subdued yet pleasing tone, while the Lotus offers a more pronounced and vibrant auditory signature. However, the overall sound experience can greatly be influenced by the specific keyboard construction and keycap material you choose, meaning both switches can perform well in different sound environments.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice offers a smooth and responsive typing experience that ensures each keystroke is both fluid and enjoyable. Its construction allows for consistent actuation, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus boasts a super bouncy sensation with a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, providing a dynamic feedback that energizes your typing. This sense of feedback can make each keypress feel more lively compared to the relatively straightforward action of the Ice switch. Ultimately, while both switches cater to linear preferences, their tactile responses offer different pleasures suited to varying typing styles.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and HMX Lotus linear switches provide unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Ice is noted for its smoothness and satisfying sound profile, while the Lotus impresses with its lively acoustics and bouncy feel. Choosing between them would depend largely on whether you prefer the more refined experience of the Ice or the energetic feedback of the Lotus. Whichever you choose, both switches can deliver a pleasurable typing experience with their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Ice and the HMX Lotus linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force that offers a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice would be your go-to option. Its crystal-clear design not only looks stunning but also enhances your overall typing experience, making it ideal for both gaming marathons and daily tasks. On the other hand, if you're someone who enjoys a lighter touch for faster typing and a more playful keystroke, then the HMX Lotus is likely the better fit for you. With its light 50g bottom-out force and a bright, resonant sound, it adds a delightful bounciness to your every keystroke, making your typing experience feel dynamic and exciting. In the end, consider your style, whether you prioritize weight, sound, or feel, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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