KTT Laurel vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Laurel and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer two distinct yet appealing experiences for typists and gamers alike. The KTT Laurel is celebrated for its medium-light feel, boasting a full POM housing and a design that combines short travel with a long pole, resulting in a blend of responsiveness and comfort. Its low-pitched sound profile gives it a subtly refined auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet yet snappy typing atmosphere. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, delivering a bouncy and dynamic keystroke with its bright, resonant sound that can energize your typing sessions. While both switches are classified as linear, catering to users who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keypress without tactile bumps, their fundamental characteristics cater to different preferences regarding actuation weight and sound profile. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches feature distinct housing materials that influence their acoustic qualities and feel during use. The KTT Laurel utilizes a polyoxymethylene (POM) top and bottom housing, known for creating a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. POM’s rigid structure provides a unique typing experience characterized by a satisfying sound signature that balances depth and clarity. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which is a more traditional choice in switch design. While nylon is softer, contributing to a fuller and more rounded sound, it does not retain the same crispness that POM offers. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a typing experience that feels softer and emits a deeper tone compared to the POM housings of the Laurels.
When examining the impact of these materials on the typing experience, both switches ultimately aim to create a pleasing sound profile, albeit in different ways. The KTT Laurel focuses on a clearer, sharper sound due to the properties of POM, which can accentuate certain frequencies while muting others, giving the impression of sound depth. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy)'s nylon housing also aims for depth but does so with a rounder, fuller sound due to its ability to absorb vibrations and sound waves. This contrast means that while both switches achieve a deeper sound profile, the KTT Laurel does so with a more distinct crispness, whereas the HMX Lotus leans toward a softer, more enveloping auditory experience.
In terms of functionality, both the KTT Laurel and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches will provide a satisfying typing experience that results in a palpable sound signature. The key difference lies in how the diverse materials influence the auditory feedback during key presses and releases. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound, with the POM of the Laurel creating a sharper thock, while the nylon in the Lotus produces a deeper, more muted thud. Meanwhile, the top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key; here, the KTT’s POM would provide a clearer audible feedback compared to the softer, more absorbed release sound of the nylon Lotus. Despite their material differences, users can expect a satisfying sound profile from both switches, resulting in appealing auditory characteristics that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge that cater to distinct user preferences. The Laurel switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who favor effortless typing, allowing them to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) switch has a greater actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This heavier resistance can provide a satisfying push-back that some typists seek. Overall, the KTT Laurel is the lighter option, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier choice, ultimately influencing the feel and comfort during prolonged use based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Laurel linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that both switches will provide comparable tactile feedback and response during use, making them equally suitable for users prioritizing consistent key travel. Since their travel distances match, selecting either switch will yield similar performance in terms of key actuation depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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.
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 KTT Laurel and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The KTT Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which contributes to a more understated auditory experience. This low-pitch makes it suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferable. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a bright and resonant sound, creating a more vivid auditory feedback with each keystroke. This disparity in sound gives each switch a unique character, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a subdued or more pronounced sound environment.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel switch is recognized for its snappy responsiveness, which is often attributed to its longer pole design and the use of dual-staged springs. This creates a lively typing experience, enhancing the overall engagement for the typist. Meanwhile, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) does not have specific descriptors provided for its feel, its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g suggests a level of tactile resistance that could offer a bouncy and satisfying feedback with each key press. The combination of weight and feel is vital for many users, making the choice between a snappy or potentially more cushioned experience an important consideration.
Overall, both the KTT Laurel and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present unique offerings by catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Laurel provides a more subdued sound with a responsive, snappy feel that enhances typing comfort, while the Lotus (Heavy) delivers a bright auditory experience paired with a weighty tactile feedback that could bring joy to every keystroke. Each switch plays to distinct preferences, giving newcomers a solid starting point based on their gameplay or typing style. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean more towards a quiet, responsive typing experience or a bouncy and lively auditory presence.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Laurel and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a snappy, responsive feel when typing, the KTT Laurel is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram actuation force and low-pitched sound profile make it suitable for extended typing sessions, providing both comfort and a pleasing auditory experience without being too loud or intrusive. This switch is ideal for individuals who prioritize speed and a smooth keystroke, whether for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier tactile feeling that can handle more force during each keystroke, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch may be more to your liking. With its 62.5-gram bottom-out force, it offers a bouncy feedback and a bright, resonant sound that can enhance the satisfaction of each keypress, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In the end, your selection should align with your comfort level and typing style, ensuring you find the perfect switch for your keyboard experience.
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