HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of various options, and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and TTC Silent Red are two noteworthy linear switches that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) excels with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that delivers a bouncy experience with each keystroke, making it perfect for those who enjoy a tactile feedback combined with a lively auditory response. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is ideal for users seeking a serene typing experience, offering a smooth and consistent feel that is complemented by a muted sound profile—perfect for quiet office environments or shared spaces. While the Lotus switch might appeal to those who crave a dynamic feel and an engaging sound, the Silent Red is tailored for those prioritizing discretion and comfort. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the sound profiles they produce. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing that results in a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer plastic characteristics. This type of material absorbs sound frequencies more effectively, creating a muted and rounded acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant projection of sound, resulting in a noticeable difference in auditory feedback when the keys are engaged.
While the top housings of the two switches offer distinct acoustic traits, their bottom housings are aligned in material composition. Both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Silent Red incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. This shared use of nylon brings a consistent sound characteristic, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience regardless of the switch's top material. As both switches deploy nylon in their bottom housing, they will likely elicit a similar feel and sound upon bottoming out, maintaining that satisfying cushiony feedback typical of nylon, which serves to complement the overall tactile experience.
Ultimately, the differing combinations of top and bottom housing materials in the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and TTC Silent Red lead to diverse sound profiles that affect how users perceive typing across the two switches. While the Lotus (Heavy) provides a rounded sound signature due to its nylon top, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top contributes a brighter tone. However, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures consistency during the act of pressing down on the keys, effectively merging the mechanical and auditory elements to achieve an enjoyable typing experience. Thus, even with their contrasting tops, users may find satisfaction in the shared characteristics provided by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch provide different actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Red switch is generally easier to press initially, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Red is just a gram higher than that of the Lotus (Heavy), providing a firmer feel when pressing all the way down. Therefore, those who prefer a more significant tactile experience may lean towards the Lotus (Heavy), which offers a stronger initial push, while the Silent Red appeals to those seeking a gentler actuation. Overall, the Silent Red is the lighter switch, whereas the Lotus (Heavy) provides the heavier push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the HMX Lotus offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Lotus (Heavy) provides a slightly more responsive experience, making it potentially more appealing to gamers who favor quick key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Red’s longer 3.7 mm distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, offering a depth that some find satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or a more robust feel during typing.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch produces a bright and resonant tone, which can create an engaging auditory feedback during typing. This vibrant sound profile adds a layer of character to each keystroke, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch embodies a muted sound profile designed to minimize the noise commonly associated with mechanical switches. This makes the Silent Red ideal for environments where quietness is essential, such as shared offices or libraries. Although both sound characteristics are distinctly different, the experience will ultimately depend on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, which contributes to a super bouncy and responsive typing experience. Each keystroke feels lively, and users will likely appreciate the pronounced feedback that encourages a more dynamic typing style. Conversely, the Silent Red switch provides a buttery smooth and polished feel throughout its travel. Its mild characteristics make it approachable for a wide range of users, promoting effortless keystrokes that require less force, while still featuring a padded bottom-out for added comfort during long typing sessions. Despite the differences in actuation force, both switches deliver a refined and pleasant typing experience.
Ultimately, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) excels in sound and provides a lively feel, the TTC Silent Red prioritizes a quieter operation with a silky-smooth tactile experience. Users seeking a vibrant auditory feedback and a bouncier feel should lean towards the Lotus (Heavy), while those desiring a discreet and comfortable typing experience should consider the Silent Red. Each offers unique benefits tailored to different environments and preferences, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find a switch that meets their specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you have a penchant for a bouncy, engaging typing experience that offers a satisfying tactile response, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 62.5 grams is ideal for you. Its bright sound adds character to your typing experience, making it enjoyable for gaming or creative tasks in a more personal or quiet setting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, quiet typing experience, particularly in shared living or workplace environments, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be the better choice. With its muted sound profile and a heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it minimizes distractions while providing a polished and buttery feel that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value sound and engagement or silence and comfort in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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