HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) present two compelling options with distinct characteristics. The Lotus (Heavy) is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that delivers an exhilarating, bouncy typing experience, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a straightforward linear feel without tactile bumps. Conversely, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a balanced tactile response, providing a satisfying level of resistance that enhances precision while remaining whisper-quiet, making it ideal for a shared workspace or home office. While the HMX Lotus caters to users who appreciate an engaging auditory and tactile response during typing, the TTC Silent Bluish White focuses on a more subdued, polished 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches demonstrate contrasting characteristics largely due to their differing top housing materials. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which effectively absorbs sound, thereby yielding a rounder and duller auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is engineered with a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being stiffer, allows for a more resonant and clear sound, making it especially advantageous for those who prefer the vibrant effects of RGB lighting due to its clear translucency. As a result, while the Lotus (Heavy) presents a more muted audio experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a sharper, more resounding output.
When examining the bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon, which provides a consistent sound performance across different facets of each switch. The nylon bottom housing in both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) leads to a similar auditory impact, characterized by a deeper, fuller sound profile. This commonality means that while the top housings yield significantly different sound characteristics, the performance disparity may not be as stark when considering the bottoms. It reflects how the keyfeel remains more uniform during presses, as both switches benefit from the acoustic dampening properties of nylon.
In essence, the overall performance of each switch can be seen as a blend of their top and bottom housing materials. Although the Lotus (Heavy) and Silent Bluish White (V2) differ in their top housing—leading to distinct sound profiles—their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the fundamental feel and character remain consistent. Thus, when using these switches, one can achieve a diverse range of auditory experiences based on the type of housing material utilized at the top while maintaining a solid and deep typing feel from the bottom housing. This illustrates how the interplay of different materials can create a nuanced and multifaceted typing experience regardless of the variations in sound and aesthetics at the top.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, a notable difference in actuation and bottom out force can significantly affect typing experience. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it relatively heavier. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that typists who prefer a lighter switch may find the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) more comfortable for prolonged use, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Lotus (Heavy). Overall, the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a softer touch, which might be more suitable for long typing sessions, whereas the heavier Lotus (Heavy) caters to users seeking a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that when pressing either switch, users will experience the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and actuation experience, allowing for a consistent feel whether one prefers a linear design or a tactile response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switches, the differences are quite pronounced. The Lotus switches emit a bright, resonant sound, contributing to a lively auditory experience that enhances the overall typing satisfaction. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switches are engineered to be muted, effectively minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them much more suited for quieter environments, such as offices or shared living spaces, where noise might be a concern. Sound perception can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap materials, but fundamentally, these two switches cater to different auditory preferences.
Regarding the feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch provides a super bouncy action that many users find delightful, offering a medium-heavy weight that can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a more nuanced tactile sensation characterized by a gentle, mild resistance paired with subtle tactile feedback. The stepped feeling of these switches provides a clear but not overwhelming tactile bump, making them approachable for a wide range of typists. This contrast creates a distinct typing experience; the Lotus is energetic and lively, while the Silent Bluish White delivers a smooth, polished, and refined touch.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches have unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. If you crave a vibrant and resonant sound coupled with a bouncy feel, the Lotus switches will undoubtedly appeal to you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quiet, smooth, and subtle typing experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is an excellent option. Your choice ultimately depends on the balance of sound and feel that fits your typing style and environment best.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a more pronounced, bouncy feel with each keystroke and appreciate a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is an ideal option for you. Its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams provides satisfying feedback, making it a great choice for gaming or high-speed typing where you want to feel each press. However, if you’re looking for a quieter, more subtle typing experience—perhaps for an office or shared living space—the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch would serve you better. Its lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, combined with its muted sound and buttery, polished feel, allows for comfortable typing without disturbing those around you. Therefore, you should consider your typing style and the sound level acceptable in your environment before making your switch.
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