HMX Hibiscus vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, two captivating options emerge: the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Kang White, both linear switches known for their distinct characteristics. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize swift and effortless keystrokes. With a unique sound signature that is clacky, poppy, and crispy, it provides a delightful auditory experience along with smooth typing. In contrast, the KTT Kang White shines with its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more subdued yet equally satisfying typing experience. Its self-lubricating material contributes to an impressively smooth feel, appealing to users who favor a more consistent keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and sound, making them worthy contenders for any keyboard enthusiast. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Kang White, a distinct contrast emerges in their choice of materials, particularly in the top housing. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing that is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon’s softer texture, which absorbs sound effectively and results in a dully rich acoustic experience. Conversely, the Kang White’s top housing is made from polycarbonate, known for its rigidity and transparency. This material produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile, characterized by a higher pitch and clarity. The difference in material choices between the two switches fundamentally shapes the auditory experience, with the Hibiscus offering a more subdued sound and the Kang White delivering a clear and lively resonance.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a commonality that balances the overall auditory experience in both models. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Kang White mirrors that of the Hibiscus, ensuring that the deep and full sound profile characteristic of nylon is maintained despite the differing top housing materials. Therefore, when pressed, both switches will exhibit similar characteristics for the bottom-out sound and feel, reinforcing that distinct nylon sound quality. This shared material choice means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out the switches, regardless of the contrasting top housings.
Overall, the interplay between the different materials in the top and bottom housings adds nuance to the performance of each switch. While the top housing materials of the Hibiscus and Kang White dictate the sound when the key is released—one producing a softer tone and the other ringing with clarity—the bottom housing consistency through the use of nylon ensures that the essence of sound is anchored firmly. This duality emphasizes how varied design choices can lead to different auditory experiences while maintaining some foundational similarities, ultimately allowing for a distinctive typing experience depending on user preference.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch present noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different typists’ preferences. The Hibiscus has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the 45 grams offered by the Kang White. This lighter force makes the Hibiscus more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort per keystroke, which can be beneficial for those who use their keyboard frequently. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Hibiscus is 48 grams, whereas the Kang White's is heavier at 58 grams, further emphasizing the Hibiscus's lighter overall feel. Consequently, typists who favor a lighter switch may find the Hibiscus preferable due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may lean toward the heavier Kang White switch. Overall, the Hibiscus is better suited for comfortable prolonged use, while the Kang White offers a firmer tactile feedback for those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, the Hibiscus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kang White has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means the Kang White switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced and deeper key press that some users may find more satisfying, particularly those who prefer a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Hibiscus, with its shorter 3.5 mm distance, can lead to quicker key presses, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Overall, the Hibiscus is suited for those who value speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes, while the Kang White caters to users who appreciate a more tactile feedback from a deeper travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch produces a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it a delight for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This sound provides a lively and engaging experience, distinguishing it from many other switches that may offer a more muted auditory profile. In contrast, the KTT Kang White switch produces a low-pitched sound that is characterized as bass-heavy and mellow, alongside a neutral tone that contributes to its versatility across different usage scenarios. While the Hibiscus offers a more dynamic auditory experience, the Kang White’s sound is pleasant yet more subdued, catering to preferences for a quieter environment, although the final sound produced will also depend on the keyboard's build and keycap choices.
Regarding feel, the Hibiscus switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a premium typing experience that is immersive and continuous. The ultra-light actuation force enhances the overall comfort, allowing prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. The Kang White switch, on the other hand, is crafted from self-lubricating materials that contribute to its smoothness, providing a lightly pleasurable experience with each keystroke. Both switches excel in delivering a smooth feel, making them appealing to typists who value comfort and ease during use.
In summary, while the HMX Hibiscus and KTT Kang White linear switches both offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Hibiscus shines with its lively sound signature, while the Kang White leans towards a more mellow and neutral tone. Both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, with the Hibiscus offering a lightweight feel and the Kang White employing self-lubricating materials for a consistent performance. Depending on your auditory preference, either switch will provide a delightful typing experience, especially considering that the overall performance can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap selection.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate an ultra-light typing experience with a clacky and poppy sound signature, then the Hibiscus switch is ideal for you, especially if you plan to engage in extensive typing or gaming sessions that require quick key presses. The smoothness of the Hibiscus allows for rapid and enjoyable inputs, making it a pleasure for casual users and enthusiasts alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback combined with a low-pitched and mellow sound profile, the Kang White switch would likely suit you better. With a medium bottom out force and self-lubricating materials, these switches provide a balanced typing experience that works well in both home and office environments, making them versatile for a range of applications. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, you’ll be enhancing your mechanical keyboard experience in a way that best complements your typing style and sound preference.
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