KTT Grapefruit vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Lotus both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch known for its soft and light feel, as well as its distinctive "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus is also a linear switch with a slightly heavier weight and a bright, resonant sound that provides a bouncy feeling with each keystroke. While the Grapefruit is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished, the Lotus does not have specific categories listed. Choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for weight, sound profile, and overall typing experience. 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
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Lotus show distinct differences in terms of sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Grapefruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Lotus features a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Grapefruit's top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a more classic feel.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Grapefruit and the Lotus utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity between the two switches in their bottom housing material suggests that typists can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either the Grapefruit or the Lotus.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Grapefruit and the HMX Lotus impacts the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing may produce a crisper sound when letting go of a key, the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a fuller sound when pressing down on a key. The use of nylon in both switches' bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and fullness in sound, emphasizing the importance of material choice in creating a unique typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Grapefruit has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Lotus the lighter option when it comes to the force needed to press a key all the way down. Those who prefer a slightly lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lotus, as it may allow them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, the Grapefruit provides a slightly heavier press feel, which some may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Lotus the shorter of the two switches, offering a slightly shallower keypress experience compared to the Grapefruit. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Grapefruit's longer travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the shorter distance providing quick feedback and the longer distance offering a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings and preferences. On the other hand, details about the sound of the HMX Lotus linear switch are unknown. Ultimately, the actual sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is known for its polished finish, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, information regarding the feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not provided. With both switches being linear, users can expect a consistent and smooth keystroke experience that minimizes tactile feedback and provides a straightforward actuation process.
Overall, while the KTT Grapefruit and HMX Lotus linear switches may have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer linear actuation which provides a consistent typing experience without the tactile bump found in other switch types. Whether you prefer the softer, low-pitched sound of the Grapefruit or the potentially bright and resonant sound of the Lotus, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a keyboard may be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, and a polished typing feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a bright and resonant sound profile, and a bouncy typing feel, the HMX Lotus switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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