HMX Lotus vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the HMX Lotus and the TTC Yunhai, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The HMX Lotus is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, delivering a bouncy sensation that enhances every keystroke. With its clacky and silky characteristics, the Lotus is ideal for users who enjoy a more dynamic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai is designed for those who favor a lighter touch, boasting an incredibly light actuation force paired with a deep, rounded sound profile. This makes the Yunhai switch perfect for typists seeking a gentle and effortless experience, amplifying comfort during extended typing sessions. While both switches offer unique attributes suitable for different preferences, their contrasting sound profiles and actuation forces cater to diverse typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and the TTC Yunhai both feature nylon as their primary housing material, which is a notable characteristic that directly influences their acoustic properties. With nylon's inherently softer composition, both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a favored attribute among typists who appreciate a more muted auditory experience. The materials' ability to absorb sound efficiently helps to create a duller and rounder sound when the keys are engaged. Because both the top and bottom housings of the Lotus and Yunhai are made from nylon, users can expect a consistent typing experience that favors a warm and rich audio output.
While the HMX Lotus and the TTC Yunhai employ the same nylon material for both their top and bottom housings, this uniformity ensures that the tonal characteristics and sound profiles are strikingly similar. The shared material allows both switches to provide an equivalent level of sound dampening, which translates into a smoother typing experience with reduced acoustic harshness. As a result, while the switches may differ in other aspects, such as actuation force or design, the uniform housing material guarantees that provide a comparable auditory experience—even for users who are particular about the sound and feel of their switches.
The overall performance of the switches can still be affected by how each housing is designed, due to the nuances in the acoustic signature produced by the switch as a whole. For instance, the bottom housing significantly influences the feel and sound during the bottoming out of a key press, while the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing the key. Despite both the Lotus and Yunhai utilizing nylon for both housings, the precise configuration or shaping of these components could theoretically lead to subtle distinctions in user experience. Nevertheless, with the identical material components, users can expect a fundamentally similar tactile and auditory feedback when using either the Lotus or Yunhai switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both offer relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for extended use in typing and gaming settings. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Yunhai is slightly lighter at 42 grams, making it the preferred option for those who favor a lighter typing experience. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they require the same physical effort to fully depress the switch. While the Lotus provides a slightly stronger push feel due to its higher actuation force, both switches maintain a light profile overall, catering to users who may prioritize longevity in their hardware. Overall, if you desire a more substantial typing experience, the Lotus may be more appealing, whereas the Yunhai's lighter actuation force could enhance comfort for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it's clear that the two switches cater to slightly different preferences. The HMX Lotus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Yunhai has a marginally longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Lotus is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that can be beneficial for gamers who seek quick keypress feedback. On the other hand, the Yunhai, with its longer travel distance, may appeal more to users who prefer a deeper keystroke and a more pronounced actuation feel. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, but the slight difference means that users seeking a balance between responsiveness and depth will find a choice between these two options suitable for their typing preferences.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 profile of the HMX Lotus linear switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the difference is striking. The Lotus is known for its bright and resonant sound, offering a clacky typing experience that produces sharp, snappy acoustics. This sound can be described as crisp and percussive, creating an engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, while the Yunhai's specific sound profile is not detailed, it typically features a deeper, rounded sound, which implies a softer auditory feedback compared to the Lotus. Thus, for those who enjoy a livelier and more pronounced sound, the Lotus would be the better choice, whereas the Yunhai may appeal to those who prefer a gentler auditory experience.
In terms of feel, both switches provide a notably different typing experience. The Lotus switch is characterized by its bouncy nature, offering a lively, spring-like feedback that enhances the sense of action with each key press. This lively feedback is complemented by its silky smoothness, making each keystroke enjoyable and satisfying. Additionally, while the Lotus switch has a heavier actuation force of 50g at bottom-out, it maintains a delightful sense of rebound. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch is described as feathery, requiring extremely light pressure to actuate. This low actuation force makes it ideal for those looking for a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. However, it lacks the bounciness that the Lotus offers, resulting in a more straightforward, gentle feel without the lively response.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus and TTC Yunhai switches cater to different preferences, especially in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus provides a brighter, clacky sound with a bouncy, silky feel, while the Yunhai offers a deeper sound profile and a remarkably feathery typing experience. If you favor auditory feedback and an active typing sensation, the Lotus will likely fulfill those desires. Conversely, if you prefer a softer touch and reduced finger fatigue, the Yunhai may be more suited to your needs. Both switches excel in their respective areas, allowing users to have a gratifying experience in typing or gaming, although through distinct pathways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and sound sensitivities. If you enjoy a more bouncy and lively feel that adds a dynamic character to your keystrokes, the Lotus is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile not only delivers a satisfying auditory feedback but also enhances the enjoyment of each press, making it ideal for those who appreciate an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler, more effortless typing sensation with a deeper sound profile, the Yunhai switches would suit you better. They offer a unique experience marked by their feathery lightness, perfect for minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, whether it's for work, gaming, or school. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek an active, buoyant interaction with your keyboard or a soft, easy-going typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
