HMX Lotus vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch is renowned for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch is characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile, along with a super smooth and pillowy feel. While the Lotus switch offers a more tactile and resonant typing experience, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch provides a quieter and smoother typing 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
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lotus features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder profile. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) incorporates a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is clear and resonant due to the material's stiffness. While both materials offer unique acoustic properties, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound aesthetics and tactile feedback.
Despite their differences, the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials of the Lotus and Silent Frozen (V2) ultimately serve the same function of enclosing the switch mechanism while influencing the sound produced during typing. However, the inherent properties of each material lead to distinct sound characteristics, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller tone compared to polycarbonate's sharper and crisper profile. Additionally, the aesthetics of the switches are influenced by the housing material, with polycarbonate being favored for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting setups, providing a visually appealing aspect to the switch design.
The impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience of the HMX Lotus and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) showcases how the choice of material can significantly alter the sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing plays a more prominent role in the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the tactile feedback when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom components emphasizes the importance of housing material selection in achieving the desired typing experience, whether aiming for a deeper, fuller sound with nylon or a sharper, crisper profile with polycarbonate.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch. The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, on the other hand, has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, also falling on the lighter end of the spectrum. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, which is favored by those who prefer to type for extended periods without fatigue. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In this comparison, while the actuation force and bottom out force differ slightly between the two switches, they both provide similar results in terms of a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of key travel. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent performance and feel from both switches. These switches offer a balanced key press that strikes a good middle ground between shorter and longer travel distances, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is evident that they offer contrasting experiences. The Lotus switch produces a bright, resonant sound that adds a sense of liveliness to each keystroke, while the Silent Frozen switch is known for its extremely quiet and muted sound profile, creating a more discreet typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory feedback, catering to different preferences for keyboard noise levels.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lotus switch provides a bouncy and enjoyable typing experience with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, although specific descriptors for its feel are not provided. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its smooth and creamy feel, offering a silky sensation when typing. With descriptors like buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, the Silent Frozen switch promises a luxurious and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switch excels in providing a bright and resonant sound along with a bouncy typing experience, while the Silent Frozen switch stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile and smooth, buttery feel. Whichever switch you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preference for keyboard noise and typing sensation, but rest assured that both switches deliver quality performance for an exceptional typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, you should consider your priorities in terms of typing experience. If you value a super bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switch with its 50g bottom out force may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet, smooth, and pillowy typing experience with a lower bottom out force of 43g, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will guide you in choosing the switch that best suits your typing style and environment.
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