KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow switch is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound profile, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that creates resonant audio feedback. This switch also features a notably bouncy typing feel due to its lengthened spring, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy an engaging and tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) brings a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that enhances the typing experience with its exceptional bounce in each keystroke. Although both switches fall under the linear category and aim to provide a satisfying typing sensation, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct acoustic profiles. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness. This rigidity results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that enhances clarity and resonance when the switch is activated. The polycarbonate's translucence also provides an aesthetic advantage for RGB lighting effects, allowing light to pass through effectively, creating a visually appealing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) uses a nylon top housing, a material known for its soft properties. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound instead of amplifying it, resulting in a warmer and more rounded auditory experience. The choice of these materials shapes how each switch sounds and feels during use, as they provide different acoustic characteristics.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Lotus (Heavy) employ nylon for this component. As a classic switch housing material, nylon exhibits similar traits in both switches, offering a deeper and rounder sound profile regardless of the top housing material. The nylon bottom housing enhances the overall acoustic experience by dampening vibrations, leading to a more subdued output when the key bottoms out. Since both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, users can expect consistent low-end sound characteristics, which will ground their typing experience irrespective of the contrasting top housings.

In summary, the key differences between the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) hinge on their top housing materials, whereas their bottom housings are similar. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top creates a distinct, brighter sound, ideal for those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) with its nylon top offers a more subdued sound profile. However, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel due to their shared nylon bottom construction. Consequently, users selecting between these two switches should consider their sound preferences, as the top housing plays a significant role in dictating the typing experience while the bottom housing maintains a common acoustic foundation.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are noteworthy differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) switch requires a stronger push, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, thus offering a heavier tactile experience. Both switches fall within the medium range for their forces, suggesting that while they are not at either extreme, the Cream Yellow allows for slightly easier actuation and less resistance when bottoming out, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Lotus (Heavy). Overall, users seeking a lighter touch will find the Cream Yellow more accommodating, while the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those who enjoy a firmer keypress.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch both share the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that the distance traveled from the top to the bottom of each switch is identical. This similarity ensures that users will experience comparable feedback and key press depth when using either switch, resulting in a uniform typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they are equally suited for those who prioritize consistency in key press feel and performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch boasts a distinctly clacky sound, characterized by its crisp and bright auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel sharp and snappy. This resonant quality is primarily due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which together enhance the overall acoustic experience. In comparison, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch also delivers a bright and resonant sound, its specific sound profile isn't detailed, but it can be expected to produce a similarly pleasing auditory sensation capable of elevating your typing experience. It's important to remember that the sound produced is also influenced by the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps, which can impact both switches equally.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Cream Yellow offers a noticeably bouncy typing experience. The combination of its lengthened spring and overall design leads to a spring-like feedback that feels lively and responsive, making it delightful for prolonged typing sessions. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is also described as super bouncy, with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g. This means both switches provide an elastic feedback sensation, ensuring a lively and engaging typing experience. The essence of the bouncing feel is shared between these two, promising enjoyable responsiveness no matter which one you choose.

In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present unique yet somewhat similar sensory experiences. The Cream Yellow's clacky sound and bouncy feel make it a distinctive option, while the Lotus (Heavy), with its bright sound and medium-heavy bounce, offers an equally satisfying tactile encounter. While there are subtle differences in sound detailing, both switches prioritize delivering an engaging auditory and tactile experience that will cater to the preferences of any newcomer eager to explore the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, both the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. If you’re a gamer or a typist who enjoys a lively bounce and a distinctively clacky sound, the Cream Yellow may be your best choice. Its medium actuation force of 58 grams, combined with its shorter bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, creates a snappy response and a fun auditory experience with every keystroke. In contrast, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a more robust sound profile, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is worth considering. With a higher actuation force of 62.5 grams and a bright, resonant sound, it provides a satisfying bouncy sensation that enriches your typing experience without compromising on auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you favor a lighter, more responsive typing experience or a heavier, sturdier feel that enhances tactile feedback.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more