HMX Lotus vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus and TTC Silent Red are both excellent options to consider. The Lotus is a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Red is also a linear switch known for its smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, making it ideal for office or shared living space use. The Silent Red offers a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort and has a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 housing materials of the HMX Lotus and TTC Silent Red switches differ significantly in terms of the top housing material. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer construction. This contrast showcases how different materials can affect the auditory experience of typing on mechanical keyboards.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Lotus and Silent Red switches feature nylon. This shared material results in a similar experience of typing on switches that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing allows for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel for both switches.
The division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing the key. This distinction emphasizes the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when selecting switches for a mechanical keyboard, as they work together to create the desired sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus is lighter in terms of both forces. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lotus make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Red provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Lotus offers a lighter typing experience compared to the Silent Red, making it a better choice for extended use, while the Silent Red provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a heavier touch.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be significant for many users, as they both offer a relatively quick key press experience compared to traditional switches with a 4.0 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference - those who prefer a slightly shallower press may opt for the Lotus, while those who desire a bit more depth in their keypress might choose the Silent Red.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus switch offers a bright and resonant typing experience, while the TTC Silent Red switch provides a muted sound profile, reducing noise for office or shared living space use. The Lotus may have a more vibrant sound due to its medium weight of 50g bottom out, while the Silent Red's sound is softer and quieter. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch is known for its super bouncy sensation that makes every keystroke a delight, though specific descriptors are not provided. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as having a smooth and seamless typing experience, boasting a buttery feel that provides a uniform and effortless keystroke sensation. Additionally, the Silent Red switch offers a mild typing experience and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, if you prioritize a bright and resonant typing experience with a bouncy feel, the HMX Lotus switch may be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a muted sound profile, a buttery and polished feel, as well as comfort provided by a padded bottom-out, the TTC Silent Red switch could be the perfect fit. Whichever switch you choose, remember that personal preference plays a crucial role in determining the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a super bouncy feel with a light bottom out force of 50 grams and a bright, resonant sound, then the Lotus switches would be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a muted sound profile, then the Silent Red switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound output.
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