HMX Hibiscus vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct typing experiences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and ultra-light actuation force, which surpasses 80% of all switches, giving users a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that enhances the tactile sensation as you type. Ideal for those who seek a lively typing experience with a bit of auditory feedback, the Hibiscus is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Feathery.' In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon exemplifies a more refined approach to the linear experience, providing a buttery smooth typing journey thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. With its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, these switches are perfect for individuals who prioritize a quieter, more subtle feel while typing. Both switches cater to specific preferences, making them appealing for different types of users; 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon keyboards utilize differing materials for their top housings, showcasing distinct acoustic profiles. The Hibiscus features a top housing made from nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound waves and create a duller, rounder audio experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon employs a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition results in a more resonant and clear sound profile, making it ideal for environments where clarity and brightness are desired. Ultimately, the materials set the stage for two very different auditory experiences, which can significantly influence user preference based on their typing style and sound quality desired.
Contrasting the bottom housings reveals a shared material choice between the two models. Both the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon integrate nylon into their bottom housing designs. Similar to the top housing of the Hibiscus, the nylon bottom housing promotes a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Its ability to absorb sound effectively ensures that the feel and acoustic experience remain consistent between the two models regarding the bottoming-out sound. This convergence in material allows users of both keyboards to experience a similar tactile sensation from the bottom housing, even if the auditory qualities differ due to the top housing material choices.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings in both switches further emphasizes their respective characteristics. While the nylon in both models ensures a cohesive deep sound when keys are depressed, the influence of the top housing material becomes apparent in the sound produced during key release. The Hibiscus’s nylon top softens the overall sound profile, delivering a rounded auditory signature, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness. This design distinction highlights how the unique properties of the top housing can shape the overall acoustic performance and user experience, while the bottom housing contributes similarly to both keyboards. Consequently, users selecting between these two options may find that personal preferences for sound sharpness or fullness dictate their choice, underscoring the importance of housing material in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a great choice for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. This means that the Hibiscus is generally lighter and more suited for long-term use, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon provides a firmer resistance, which some typists might prefer for tactile feedback. Overall, if typing experience is a priority—whether for comfort or a solid push feel—these force differences can significantly impact user preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch differs significantly, with the Hibiscus measuring 3.5 mm and the Sea Salt Lemon at 4 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who seek quicker actuation for faster response times. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile experience that some users may prefer for its depth. Ultimately, if you opt for the Hibiscus, you will experience a more immediate keypress feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon caters to those who enjoy a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Hibiscus and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches, they each exhibit distinct characteristics. The Hibiscus switches are noted for their clacky sound, producing a sharp and percussive audio feedback that many enthusiasts find to be satisfying during typing. This crisp, bright note adds to the engaging experience of typing, giving a lively ambiance to keyboard use. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound signature. Their bass-heavy tones provide a mellower acoustic experience, making them suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The differences in sound may cause users to prefer one over the other depending on their acoustic tastes and typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches shine with a bouncy and feathery touch. The bouncy aspect gives typists a spring-like sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience and providing responsive feedback with each keystroke. The light actuation force minimizes finger fatigue, making these switches particularly comfortable during extended typing sessions. On the contrary, while the feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switches is not explicitly detailed, their reputation as a superb representation of a linear switch implies a smooth and pleasant typing experience, likely leaning towards a similarly inviting feel though possibly lacking the bounciness of the Hibiscus.
In conclusion, while the HMX Hibiscus switches deliver an engaging clacky sound and a lively, feather-light typing feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches present a more subdued and neutral auditory experience, complemented by their reputation for smoothness. These switches will cater to different preferences, but both options promise a remarkable typing experience, allowing newcomers to enjoy mechanical keyboards at their best. Users should consider their acoustic preference and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure they select the most fitting one for their needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, your choice largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you are seeking a lighter touch, a soft bounce, and a lively sound profile that adds an exciting auditory feedback to your typing experience, the Hibiscus is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force and clacky sound make it particularly enjoyable for extensive typing sessions, gaming, or even casual use where you prefer a more engaging feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, more neutral experience with a slightly higher actuation force and a mellow sound that can seamlessly blend into various environments, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be the better fit. Its progressive spring and buttery smoothness render it versatile for both work and leisure, appealing to users who want a quieter and more understated experience without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, consider how each switch's characteristics align with your specific needs, whether you lean towards a vibrant experience or a more subdued typing atmosphere.
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