TTC Iron vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and the TTC Iron and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present distinct options for enthusiasts and daily users alike. The TTC Iron is celebrated for its effortlessly light actuation and clacky sound signature, which offers a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a mix of precision and a touch of character in their typing. Its buttery smooth travel further enhances the experience, making it ideal for prolonged use without the strain often associated with heavier switches. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, provides a bouncier feel and a bright, resonant sound that appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and a solid typing experience. This switch may be favoured by users looking for a balance of resistance and responsive feedback in their keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, leaving potential users to weigh their priorities in terms of sound, feel, and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Iron and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), it is evident that both switches utilize different materials—POM for the Iron and nylon for the Lotus. The TTC Iron's POM top and bottom housings create a unique sound profile described as deeper and more muted. POM, being a harder plastic, generally contributes to a sound that is crisp yet less resonant. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material that is softer than POM. As a result, typing on switches made with nylon tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's ability to absorb sound more effectively. This fundamental difference in material properties sets the two switches apart in terms of tactile feedback and auditory experience.
Despite their differing materials, both the Iron and the Lotus (Heavy) aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience characterized by a deeper sound profile. The muted qualities of the POM housings in the Iron suggest a controlled auditory presence, while the Lotus's nylon housings offer a bolder yet rounded sound. This acoustic signature can evoke similar user sentiments regarding sound preferences, as both materials can ultimately deliver pleasing auditory feedback for typists who appreciate lower-frequency tones. However, the key difference lies in the texture of that output—POM provides a crisper touch, while nylon gives a softer, more resonant touch.
Furthermore, the directional impact of the materials on the overall typing experience should be considered. The POM bottom housing of the Iron and the nylon bottom housing of the Lotus contribute differently to the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that while both switches can achieve a pleasing sound profile, the tactile feedback during actuation may diverge, creating unique yet related experiences. The POM's crispness in pressing down could contrast with the softer, fuller bottom-out sound produced by the Lotus’s nylon. Thus, while both switches offer a deeper sound, the choice of material ultimately affects the tactile experience and character of the sound produced, highlighting the nuanced interplay between the materials and switch design.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offer contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Iron switch features a light actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) presents a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. This distinction not only highlights the Iron switch as the lighter option but also emphasizes the Lotus (Heavy) as the heavier alternative, appealing to users who favor more resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, while both switches serve different user preferences, they ultimately fulfill specific typing needs based on the weight and feel of the actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Iron switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Iron switch provides a deeper feel when pressed, which can be more suitable for users who prefer a substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) could appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Lotus (Heavy) may be the better choice, while the Iron switch might be favored by individuals who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Iron is recognized for its pronounced clacky sound signature. This creates a crisp and bright auditory experience that delivers a satisfying 'snappy' sound with each stroke, enhancing the overall typing atmosphere. In contrast, while the sound profile of the Lotus (Heavy) is described as bright and resonant, specific details about its characteristic sound, such as whether it leans more towards clackiness or a more neutral tone, are not available. The combination of the Iron's sharp sound and the Lotus's bouncy auditory quality suggests that both can provide an engaging typing experience, but the Iron’s distinctly clacky nature offers a more pronounced auditory cue for typists.
In terms of feel, the TTC Iron is characterized by its easy-to-press action, making it comfortable and effortless to type on, which is particularly advantageous for long typing sessions. The light actuation force ensures that users experience minimal finger fatigue while exercising precision control. It also features a mild tactile response, making it approachable for various typing styles. Conversely, details regarding the tactile feedback and actuation resistance of the Lotus (Heavy) switch are unspecified; however, it is important to note that its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g could translate to a significant tactile experience that is potentially bouncier compared to the Iron. The Iron's light and smooth travel contrasts with the likely firmer feel of the Lotus, appealing to different preferences in tactile feedback.
Overall, both the TTC Iron and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches cater to distinct preferences and typing experiences. The Iron is ideal for users who enjoy a lightweight, clacky, and smooth typing feel, while the Lotus (Heavy) likely appeals to those who appreciate a more bouncy and resonant keystroke, although its unknown tactile qualities leave room for curiosity. Ultimately, both switches promise enjoyable typing sessions, but the choice between them will hinge on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback during usage.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on what you're looking for in your typing experience. If you appreciate a lighter touch and find yourself engaged in long typing sessions—whether for work, gaming, or casual browsing—the TTC Iron, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, will offer you that effortless, fatigue-free experience coupled with a clacky sound signature that adds an enjoyable auditory dimension. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys subtle acoustic feedback while maintaining speed and efficiency. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers and are drawn to a bouncier response, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its firmer actuation force of 62.5 grams, might be the right switch for you. The extra weight can help provide a more deliberate typing experience, giving each keystroke a satisfying resilience. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal preference for actuation force and sound; whether you crave the quick, light feedback of the TTC Iron or the robust, eager response of the HMX Lotus (Heavy), both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your keyboard experience.
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