KTT Glimp vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Glimp and the HMX Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both present unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Glimp is a linear switch best known for its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, offering a satisfying typing experience with a fairly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus is also a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. While the Glimp switch offers a more subdued typing experience, the Lotus switch adds a more vibrant and lively touch to your typing sessions. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the HMX Lotus both utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Lotus's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Glimp allows for a more resonant and clear sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting.
Although both the Glimp and the Lotus share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the Glimp distinguishes itself with a polycarbonate top housing. This top housing material gives the Glimp a unique sound profile, characterized by sharper and clearer tones compared to the Lotus's deeper and fuller sound produced by nylon. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes the Glimp an ideal choice for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Lotus's nylon top housing provides a classic typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile.
The choice between the KTT Glimp and the HMX Lotus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Glimp's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a balance between sharp, crisp tones and deeper, fuller sounds. On the other hand, the Lotus offers a consistent sound profile with both top and bottom housings made of nylon, resulting in a classic typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. Whether one prefers the clarity of the Glimp or the traditional feel of the Lotus, both switches provide a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking different sound profiles.
Weight
Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch have their own unique actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Lotus with 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Glimp is also slightly heavier at 53 grams compared to the Lotus at 50 grams. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the light to medium-light category. Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and fatigue. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lotus, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the Glimp. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their relatively low actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the HMX Lotus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on the feel of the keystrokes. Gamers often opt for shorter travel distances like the Lotus for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Glimp. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired level of key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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.
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 KTT Glimp linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This adds a crisp and bright auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as offering a creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. This can be attributed to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Additionally, the Glimp switch falls under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch are not provided, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the KTT Glimp linear switch stands out for its balanced tactile feedback, comfortable actuation force, clacky sound profile, creamy typing feel, and mild characteristics. On the other hand, information is lacking on the HMX Lotus linear switch, making it challenging to provide a comprehensive comparison. However, if the Lotus switch offers a similar medium-light actuation force and bright, resonant sound as described, users can expect a super bouncy typing experience with every keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it is important for newcomers to consider their typing preferences and needs when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams, the Glimp may be the better choice for you. The Glimp offers a tactile feedback, comfortable actuation force, and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Lotus may be more suitable. The Lotus provides a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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