HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Mint stand out as two impressive linear options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Lotus (Heavy), with its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, delivers a bouncy feel combined with a bright, resonant sound that can turn every keystroke into a delightful experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is celebrated for its smoothness, characterized by a lightweight feel and a long pole stem that fosters a distinct poppy thockiness when typing. This smoother, more neutral typing experience makes the Mint a great choice for users seeking a lightweight and effortless keystroke. Both switches have their merits depending on individual preferences and typing styles; 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Mint switches present a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, specifically nylon and polycarbonate, which significantly shape the auditory experience of typing on each switch. The nylon top housing of the Lotus (Heavy) is heralded for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softness, which allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder materials. As a result, the acoustic character of the typing experience on the Lotus (Heavy) is characterized by a duller, rounder sound, appealing to users seeking warmth in their auditory feedback. In stark contrast, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate ensures that sound resonates more clearly, reflecting a more pronounced auditory experience that is often sought after in typing applications, especially for those who enjoy the added visual aspect of RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Delving into the bottom housing, both the Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Mint employ nylon, thereby aligning in terms of their bottom-end sound qualities. This similarity means that both switches will exhibit the same deeper and fuller sound profile when a key bottoms out, which is a critical aspect for users concerned with the tactile and auditory feedback of their typing experience. The nylon material's sound-absorbing properties contribute to a consistent bottoming-out feel across both switches, ensuring that the reinforcement of sound dampening remains intact. Consequently, despite the differing top housings, users can typically expect a close match in terms of performance related to the key press action.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials presents a unique opportunity for users to experience varying sound profiles while typing. The distinction between the soft nylon in the bottom housing offering a rich sound and the contrasting materials in the top housing means that users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferences in terms of sound character and feel. While the Lotus (Heavy) provides a more muted, rounded auditory experience owing to its nylon top, the KTT Mint stimulates a lively and vibrant sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate construction. As a result, switching between the two can yield distinct typing experiences, yet both retain a shared depth in their bottom housing sounds, ensuring versatility for different typing styles and user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch with the KTT Mint linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lotus (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, while the Mint is lighter at 45 grams. This difference in actuation force means that users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Mint switch, as it facilitates less strain over time. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus (Heavy) has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams compared to the Mint's 53 grams, indicating that the Lotus provides a more substantial tactile feedback when pressed all the way down. Overall, the Mint switch is the lighter option, making it ideal for those seeking a gentler typing experience, while the Lotus (Heavy) caters to users who enjoy a firmer and more robust feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Lotus (Heavy) provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel, making it a favored choice for gamers who seek rapid actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Mint’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you value enhanced speed and responsiveness, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) would be the better pick; however, if you lean towards a deeper key press, the KTT Mint would suit your tastes better.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
The sound profile of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a bright, resonant quality that helps it stand out during typing. This creates a lively auditory feedback that adds an element of enjoyment to every keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch produces a low-pitched sound, conveying a bass-heavy tone that is notably more mellow. This gives it a more neutral presence, which makes it versatile for different environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While both switches provide satisfying auditory experiences, the Lotus leans towards a more vibrant and energetic sound profile, while the Mint offers a calm and balanced tonal quality.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a super bouncy sensation due to its medium-heavy 62.5g actuation force. This weight contributes to a lively typing experience that many enthusiasts find delightful. On the other side, the KTT Mint is described as offering a mild and polished typing feel. The smoothness of the Mint switches enhances the ease of key travel, making it approachable and comfortable for all types of users. While the Lotus switch emphasizes a more pronounced and bouncy feedback, the Mint focuses on providing a refined, effortless touch, appealing to those who prefer a gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Mint linear switches cater to different preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Lotus switch excels in providing an engaging auditory and tactile experience, while the Mint switch focuses on smoothness and a calm sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on individual taste—whether one favors the lively engagement of the Lotus or the refined smoothness of the Mint, each can deliver an enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch will ultimately hinge on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force. If you enjoy a pronounced keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams and a satisfying, bouncy typing experience, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) shines with its bright and resonant sound. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile sensation and auditory feedback, particularly if you’re looking for a switch that adds a bit of personality to your setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth typing experience, the KTT Mint linear switch, with its lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams, will offer you a more effortless and fleeting feel. This switch, characterized by its low-pitched sound and polished finish, caters well to users who value a subtle, pleasant typing sound alongside a softer actuation force. Therefore, choose the HMX Lotus (Heavy) for a more engaging, dynamic typing experience, and opt for the KTT Mint for a gentle and smooth keystroke, perfectly suited for long typing sessions or quieter environments.
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