KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Hibiscus present two distinct yet appealing options catering to different typing preferences. The KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, is designed for users who appreciate a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. With its light touch and crisp actuation, it provides a balanced typing experience, delivering just the right amount of feedback without overwhelming the user. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy tactile cues while maintaining a smooth typing rhythm. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, offers an enchanting smoothness that is hard to rival. With an ultra-light actuation force and a satisfying clacky sound profile, the Hibiscus caters to enthusiasts who prefer a softer, uninterrupted keystroke that enhances their overall typing experience. Choosing between these two switches largely depends on whether you value tactile feedback or a buttery smoothness in your typing encounters. 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
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Hibiscus switches, a striking contrast is evident in their top housing compositions. The Ash Gray's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a material celebrated for its rigidity and translucency. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the clarity of the audio feedback when typing. Additionally, the polycarbonate's clear nature makes it ideal for RGB lighting, allowing light to shine through vividly. Conversely, the HMX Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer composition. As a result, it delivers a deeper and fuller sound that absorbs some of the audio resonance, providing a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials greatly influences the sound characteristics of both switches, making the Ash Gray more suited for those who prefer a brighter response, while the Hibiscus appeals to users seeking a warmer auditory environment.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, both utilizing nylon. This consistency in material leads to similar sound profiles when it comes to the bottom-out actuation, as nylon’s softer properties allow for a more subdued and rounded acoustic experience. The impact of the bottom housing plays a vital role in shaping the feel and sound when a key is fully pressed down. Therefore, while the Ash Gray and Hibiscus exhibit contrasting auditory qualities in their top housing, their identical nylon bottom housing converges their sound profiles at the actuation point, providing a rich and harmonious typing experience across both switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Hibiscus hinges on the desired auditory outcomes. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top delivers a brighter sound profile that, combined with the shared nylon bottom housing, ensures a pleasant typing experience with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the HMX Hibiscus provides a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer top housing material. The blend of these housing materials defines the overall acoustic character of each switch, showcasing how variations in top housings lead to distinct sound profiles while the commonality of the nylon bottom balances the two experiences. Thus, depending on user preferences for sharpness versus depth, either switch could be a fitting choice, particularly as the nylon elements ensure a consistent tactile foundation.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features a medium-light actuation force of 38 grams, while the Hibiscus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, making it the heavier of the two in terms of actuation feel. On the other hand, their bottom out forces reveal a contrast as well: the Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is heavier compared to the Hibiscus's 48 grams, categorizing the Hibiscus as the lighter option overall. This variation means that users looking for a lighter typing experience will likely prefer the Hibiscus, particularly for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those desiring a more substantial feel might lean towards the Ash Gray for its heavier actuation. Despite both switches offering unique tactile experiences, the Ash Gray's heavier actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences, making it essential for users to consider their typing style when making a choice.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar keypress experience when using either switch. With this equal travel distance, the tactile feedback and overall actuation feel will be consistent across both switches, allowing for a uniform typing experience. As a result, whether you choose the Ash Gray or the Hibiscus, the keypress depth will be identical, providing satisfaction in terms of both performance and comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 profiles of the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Hibiscus switches, they showcase distinctly different auditory experiences. The Ash Gray offers a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a balanced sound profile that is suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in a work environment. This makes it versatile for users at any experience level who prefer a sound that won’t distract or disturb. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus boasts a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive. This playful audio feedback enhances the tactile experience, making it especially appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response while typing or gaming. The Hibiscus' lively sound profile might not be suitable for quieter environments but resonates well with those who appreciate a more dynamic auditory cue.
In terms of feel, the two switches diverge significantly in their tactile responses. The Ash Gray excels in providing an easy-to-press, mild tactile experience that minimizes resistance during key presses. This gentle actuation encourages prolonged use without causing finger fatigue, making it ideal for those who type extensively. Its mild characteristics maintain a comfortable balance that accommodates a wide range of users, from casual typists to more seasoned mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus is recognized for its bouncy and feathery feel, offering exceptional responsiveness and a lively, spring-like feedback. This light actuation creates an engaging typing experience, ideally suited for users who appreciate a more tactile and playful interaction with their keyboard.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Hibiscus switches provide contrasting experiences in both sound and feel. The Ash Gray is a neutral, easy-to-press switch suitable for all environments, which makes it approachable for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback and gentle resistance. In contrast, the Hibiscus switch stands out with its lively, clacky sound and bouncy, feathery feel that offers a more engaging experience for those who seek a vibrant typing environment. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, but both can deliver comfortable results tailored to their distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate a tactile feel that strikes a balance between feedback and gentleness, the Ash Gray switch is your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams allows for a comfortable typing experience that is responsive without being overly harsh, making it an excellent choice for both casual typing and professional work environments. The neutral sound profile also ensures that it won't be distracting, which is ideal if you're in a shared space. On the other hand, if you're looking for an exceptionally smooth and feathery experience, particularly for gaming or rapid typing scenarios, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, with its lighter actuation force of 48 grams, is the way to go. Its clacky sound adds an exciting auditory element to your typing, making it perfect for those who enjoy a lively feedback experience while reducing finger fatigue. Therefore, assess how you want your keyboard to feel and sound, and choose accordingly to enhance your overall typing pleasure.
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