KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options to suit their typing style and preferences. The KTT Hyacinth, characterized by its innovative 3.5mm travel distance, aims to provide a balanced typing experience by minimizing the harsh bottoming-out sensation typical of longer stem switches. Its use of a single-stage elongated spring further enhances the consistency of the force curve, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a neutral, silky feel with subtle tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Lotus boasts a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out and a bright, resonant sound that delivers a delightfully bouncy keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience with every press. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their distinct design philosophies offer varied experiences tailored to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and HMX Lotus switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and user experiences. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a higher-pitched, sharper sound. This characteristic is particularly enhanced by the translucency of polycarbonate, making it especially advantageous for RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the Lotus employs a nylon top housing, acclaimed for its softer properties that yield a deeper, fuller sound. The nylon material absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, which contributes to a rounder acoustical profile. The contrasting materials of the top housings demonstrate how each switch influences the overall auditory and tactile experience when pressed.
On the other hand, both the Hyacinth and Lotus share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This consistency in material leads to similar sound characteristics at the bottom of the switches, where the more impactful bottom-out sound and feel are generated. As nylon is recognized for its softer nature, it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. This shared bottom housing design creates a unifying element in the overall experience of axially pressing down on either switch, whereby the characteristics of the nylon come into play to enhance a consistent tactile response.
Ultimately, while the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Lotus differ significantly in their top housing materials—leading to contrasting audio experiences—their similar nylon bottom housings create a sense of shared identity in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. Users can expect a dynamic auditory experience influenced by the polycarbonate’s brightness in the Hyacinth vs. the muted richness provided by the Lotus’s nylon top. Nevertheless, the familiar qualities brought forth by nylon in the bottom housing ensure that both switches retain a deep sound profile that enhances typing satisfaction, highlighting how material choices in keyboard switches shape not merely sound, but the user's overall tactile engagement as well.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similarly responsive when triggering a keystroke. However, they differ in their bottom out forces, with the Hyacinth requiring 56 grams to bottom out, while the Lotus is lighter at 50 grams. This means that while both switches offer a light actuation, the Hyacinth provides a more substantial feel at the end of the keystroke due to its higher bottom out force. Consequently, typists looking for a gentler typing experience may prefer the HMX Lotus, while those who appreciate a slightly heavier feedback during bottoming out might lean towards the KTT Hyacinth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding weight and tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. The consistent 3.5 mm travel distance ensures that both switches provide the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in a comparable feel and feedback while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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
When it comes to sound quality, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is characterized by its neutral profile, delivering a moderate sound that is neither overwhelmingly loud nor too soft. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, appealing to both beginners and seasoned users. The sound's characteristics can also vary depending on the keyboard's construction and keycap materials. On the other hand, while the HMX Lotus linear switch is noted for its bright and resonant sound, specific descriptors are not provided. However, the emphasis on a brighter sound suggests that it may be more pronounced compared to the Hyacinth, potentially making it less suitable for quieter workspaces.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth impresses with a silky typing experience, ensuring smooth keystrokes that minimize resistance during both pressing and releasing actions. Its subtle resistance provides a gentle but satisfying tactile experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. The Lotus linear switch, while celebrated for its bouncy feeling, lacks detailed descriptors regarding its feel. However, the mention of a medium weight bottoming out at 50g implies that it likely provides a distinct yet enjoyable typing experience that will differ from the smoother dynamics of the Hyacinth.
In summary, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is an excellent choice for users seeking a neutral sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright sound and a bouncier feel, which may appeal to those looking for an energetic typing sensation. While the two switches cater to different preferences, both provide unique qualities that could satisfy the needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If you're looking for a varied typing experience, considering both options based on your personal sound and feel priorities could be beneficial.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you're seeking a balanced switch that combines a medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams with a silky, smooth typing experience and a subtle sound profile, the Hyacinth is an excellent choice. Its design minimizes the harsh bottoming-out sensation and provides a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for both work and home settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a bottom out force of just 50 grams and enjoy a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus is the way to go. Its super bouncy action adds a delightful element to your keystrokes, making it ideal for a fun and engaging typing experience. In summary, choose the Hyacinth for comfort and smoothness in versatile environments and the Lotus for a lively and responsive feel that makes typing a joyful experience.
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