KTT Kang White vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical key switch for your typing experience, the KTT Kang White and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) both stand out as compelling options in the realm of linear switches. The Kang White is celebrated for its exquisite poppy sound and unparalleled smoothness, thanks to its self-lubricating material, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a delightful auditory and tactile experience with low-pitched and neutral characteristics. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound, delivering a super bouncy feel that promises to enliven each keystroke. While both switches offer unique advantages, such as the Kang White's silky smoothness and the Lotus's engaging bounce, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 KTT Kang White and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches demonstrate distinct characteristics in their housing materials that yield different auditory experiences. The Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, which produces a sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softer properties, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in the materials of the top housings shapes the overall auditory experience, with the Kang White appealing to those who prefer clarity and brightness in their typing sounds, while the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those who enjoy a rounder and more muted auditory feedback.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, a material that further influences sound dynamics. The use of nylon in both switches promotes a consistent deep and full sound profile when pressed, as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared bottom housing material means that while the top housings create differing acoustic qualities by themselves, the commonality in nylon for the bottoms ensures that both switches can deliver a rich typing experience. When users operate these switches, the effects of the nylon bottom housing will produce a more profound influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a familiar auditory cushion regardless of the top housing material.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings set these switches apart in terms of their sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottoms create a cohesive experience. The KTT Kang White’s polycarbonate aesthetic and sharper sound delivery pairs with the smoother, fuller sound of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) to produce distinct tactile responses that could cater to various typing preferences. Users seeking to create a customized auditory environment may appreciate the option to match the switch's character with personal preferences in both sound and visual effects, knowing that the nylon bottoms will provide reliable auditory depth regardless of the top housing's material.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Kang White features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as the heavier switch. This distinction in weight means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may gravitate towards the Kang White, while those seeking a more substantial feel with a stronger push will likely favor the Lotus. Both switches have medium force ratings, but their differing weights cater to varied user preferences, ensuring that keyboard enthusiasts can select the switch that best aligns with their typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, a noticeable difference exists: the Kang White has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, the shorter of the two. This 0.5 mm difference may seem minor, but it significantly impacts the typing experience. The Kang White's longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key press, providing a sense of depth and feedback that some users find comfortable and satisfying. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) can cater to gamers or typists seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster key presses with less effort. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference, where those who favor a hearty depth may gravitate towards the Kang White, while those who prioritize responsiveness might prefer the Lotus (Heavy).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Kang White switch delivers a low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience, complemented by its neutral sound profile. This makes it versatile enough for various settings, whether you're typing away in a quiet office or enjoying a personal creative space. In contrast, while detailed descriptors for the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches aren't provided, they are characterized by a bright, resonant sound. This suggests that the Lotus (Heavy) may offer a more lively acoustics compared to the mellow tones of the Kang White, creating a distinctly engaging auditory feedback that could appeal to users who favor a more noticeable sound with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, while the specifics for the Kang White switch aren’t provided, it is noted for its unparalleled smoothness attributed to its self-lubricating material, which typically enhances the typing experience by minimizing friction. This smoothness can lead to a more fluid and refined feel when typing, making it ideal for long sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is noted for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a super bouncy feel, which can add an enjoyable tactile response to each keystroke, providing both feedback and comfort. This combination of weight and bounce may cater to users seeking a more dynamic typing experience, contrasting with the potentially more refined feel of the Kang White.
In conclusion, both the KTT Kang White and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches offer distinct acoustic and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kang White switch focuses on a smooth and neutral sound profile, making it appropriate for a variety of environments, while the Lotus (Heavy) opts for a brighter and more resonant sound paired with a bouncy and heavier feel. Users seeking a balanced and mellow typing experience may find the Kang White more to their liking, whereas those who prefer a lively auditory feedback and engaging tactile response may gravitate towards the Lotus (Heavy). Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference regarding sound and the desired typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the KTT Kang White and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches cater to distinct preferences and typing experiences. If you favor a medium bottom-out force with an exquisite smoothness and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Kang White may be the ideal choice for you. Its self-lubricating material enhances the overall typing experience, making it well-suited for prolonged use—especially if you value a mellower acoustic environment conducive to concentration. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Lotus (Heavy) could be your go-to option. Its bright and resonant sound coupled with a bouncy feel will offer a lively typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback and an invigorating sound signature. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness and a low-key sound or a more dynamic, bouncy feel with higher resistance. Evaluate your typing style, environment, and personal preferences to select the switch that will best enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
