HMX Hibiscus vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch and a clicky switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Hibiscus is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and lightweight keystrokes, contributing to a pristine typing experience that is favored by those who value speed and fluidity. With an ultra-light actuation force and a satisfyingly clacky sound signature, the Hibiscus caters to users who prefer a bouncy and feathery feel while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also affectionately known as Purple Sauce, is characterized by its distinctively high-pitched click and tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being engaging and not overly distracting. This switch offers a resonant and invigorating feel that appeals to typists seeking an audible confirmation of their keystrokes. Each switch has its unique allure: the Hibiscus draws you in with its smoothness and light touch, while the Purple Click provides a delightful auditory and tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Yes
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Purple Click switches offer contrasting auditory experiences due to their differing top housing compositions. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory signature. In contrast, the Purple Click's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes but also allows for better RGB lighting effects, owing to its translucency. Thus, while both switches offer unique sound experiences, the Hibiscus provides a warm, muted sound, whereas the Purple Click creates a more vibrant and crisp auditory environment.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Hibiscus and the Purple Click utilize nylon, leading to similar effects in terms of sound profile for this part of the switch. Like the nylon in the top housing, the bottom housing’s nylon composition contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This means that when you press the key down, the characteristics inherent in the nylon will provide a consistent auditory feedback, regardless of the differing top housing materials. The bottom-out sound, influenced primarily by the bottom housing, remains tied to the qualities of nylon, which can produce a satisfying feedback while typing. Thus, while the top and bottom housings create a blend of sound experiences, the nylon material in the bottom of both switches results in a similar foundational auditory profile.
This combination of different top housings and matching bottom housings underlines how the two switches can produce contrasting sound profiles while still achieving certain cohesive results. The Hibiscus’s nylon top produces a warmer sound that pairs with its similarly materialed bottom for a consistent auditory feel, while the Purple Click’s polycarbonate top produces a clearer sound that still retains the fuller sound presence due to its nylon bottom housing. Therefore, users who favor a blend of sound characteristics from both switches will find that while the overall sound experience can differ markedly, the nylon bottom housing's effect retains a familiar depth and stability across the two models, harmonizing the disparities introduced by their distinct top materials.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus boasts an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where less strain is desired. In contrast, the Purple Click switch features a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams, but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light overall. This results in a more pronounced feedback at the end of a keystroke, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger tactile response. While both switches have relatively similar actuation forces, the Hibiscus offers a more consistent light feel throughout the keystroke, whereas the Purple Click delivers a firmer bottom-out experience. Therefore, if you're seeking a lighter switch for extended use, the Hibiscus may be the better choice, while the Purple Click may cater to users looking for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the shorter option, catering to gamers and those who prefer faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Purple Click offers a more traditional feel with its longer 4 mm travel, providing a deeper and more satisfying keypress for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Therefore, if you seek quick responsiveness, the Hibiscus would be the better choice; however, if you prefer a more substantial feel while typing, the KTT Purple Click would suit you better. Essentially, the differences in their travel distances directly influence the typing experience each switch offers.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 considering sound, the HMX Hibiscus switch is characterized by a clacky auditory profile that produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. This element lends a satisfying auditory experience to users who enjoy the light, bouncy nature of the switch, amplifying that enjoyable pop during typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a distinctively resonant, higher-pitched click that provides a clean and sharp sound signature. Both switches have their own unique auditory characteristics that create an immersive typing environment, and the overall sound experience may still vary based on the specific keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch delivers a bouncy and feathery sensation, which contributes to a lively and elastic feedback experience that eases finger fatigue. This means users can enjoy long typing sessions with minimal strain, making it ideal for those who engage in extensive gaming, work, or academic tasks. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch asserts a more invigorating feel, boasting pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. The stepped sensation, with its mild two-stage feel, gives the user a delightful tactile experience without overwhelming them. Despite their differences, both switches cater to specific tactile preferences and offer enjoyable keyboard interactions.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and KTT Purple Click switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Hibiscus excels in smoothness and a lively auditory experience, while the Purple Click stands out with its resonant click and pronounced feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to individual preferences in sound and tactile feedback, as both types offer compelling qualities that enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a super smooth and feather-light typing experience, especially for long periods of use, the Hibiscus switch is the way to go. Its lower actuation force and bouncy feel make it ideal for users who seek ease of use and a satisfying clacky sound without the need for much exertion, making it especially suitable for gaming or extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you crave a more tactile feedback with a pronounced click sound, the KTT Purple Click is likely your best fit. Its higher actuation force provides a more invigorating sensation while typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of a sharp click along with a moderate tactile response. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a light, smooth keystroke or a more engaging, tactile experience with each press.
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