HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Peach can greatly influence your typing experience. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), weighing in at 62.5g, is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation force, delivering a delightful bounce that makes each keystroke feel invigorating. Its bright, resonant sound adds an engaging auditory element to your typing, making it a great option for those who enjoy a lively feedback experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach excels in offering a silky-smooth typing experience, characterized by a low-pitched, thocky sound profile that users find satisfying. This switch may appeal to typists seeking a quieter ambiance without sacrificing tactile pleasure. Both switches are linear, promoting uninterrupted keystrokes, but they cater to differing preferences in weight, sound, and overall feel. 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
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Peach, a noticeable distinction lies in the top housing material. The Lotus (Heavy) employs nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Peach features polycarbonate as its top housing material, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonation of each keystroke, making it ideal for those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback. Notably, the translucency of the polycarbonate material adds to its visual appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, setting it apart from the more subdued aesthetic of the nylon used in the Lotus (Heavy).
In examining the bottom housings, both the Lotus (Heavy) and Peach showcase nylon, which harmonizes their performance in this aspect. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes similarly to both switches, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when the key bottoms out. Given that nylon is softer, it dampens sound more than stiffer materials would. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housings means that typing on both switches will elicit a comparable tactile experience at the moment of bottoming out, leading to a similar feel in terms of sound absorption and feedback. This similarity creates a consistent user experience when transitioning between the two switches, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Peach affect the overall sound profile significantly, while their identical bottom housing of nylon ensures a shared depth and fullness during keystrokes. When a switch is pressed, the qualities of the bottom housing are most prominent, contributing to the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. Conversely, the characteristics of the top housing are most impactful when releasing keys, allowing users to appreciate the distinctions in auditory feedback according to the switch used. As such, while users of the KTT Peach may revel in the sharper clarity offered by polycarbonate at the top, they will find the deeper resonance on the bottom end familiar to the experience provided by the Lotus (Heavy).
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, we see notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the KTT Peach features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This difference in actuation forces means that the KTT Peach may be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lighter feel, which can reduce finger fatigue. The Lotus's heavier push may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience and tactile feedback. Overall, the Lotus provides a firmer typing experience, while the Peach offers a softer touch, catering to different user preferences based on their typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch with that of the KTT Peach linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the KTT Peach has a travel distance of 4 mm, positioning it as the longer switch. This difference in travel distance indicates that users seeking a quicker response may prefer the Lotus (Heavy), as shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers for their increased responsiveness. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes might lean toward the KTT Peach, benefiting from its greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and response time.
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 Peach 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) linear switch is characterized by a bright and resonant tone, bringing a lively auditory quality to each keystroke. This makes the typing experience feel engaging, especially in settings that allow for a more expressive acoustic feedback. In contrast, the KTT Peach linear switch offers a deeper, thocky sound that has a low-pitched, bass-heavy quality, which tends to evoke a more mellow and subdued atmosphere while typing. Peach switches also have a neutral sound profile that accommodates various environments, making them suitable for both casual and professional use. The differences in sound will largely depend on the mechanical keyboard, board design, and keycap materials, but overall, the Lotus provides a brighter soundscape compared to the more subdued thock of the Peach.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) is known for its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, which delivers a bouncy and responsive typing experience that many users find delightful. This switch is likely to provide a tactile sensation that keeps users engaged when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Peach offers a mild feel, which translates into a smoother and more forgiving typing experience. The characteristics of the Peach switch position it in a more neutral zone, making it approachable for users at various skill levels. While the Lotus will feel more robust and lively, the Peach caters to those who prefer a gentle typing experience without overwhelming feedback.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Peach linear switches cater to the linear switch category, they offer different auditory and tactile experiences. The Lotus provides a bright and bouncy feel, paired with a lively sound, making it ideal for those seeking an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Peach provides a mellow, deep sound and a gentle feel, suitable for a more subdued typing environment. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both will give satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Peach linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a bit of resistance and enjoy a more tactile feedback with each keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) is a compelling option thanks to its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams. This switch provides a delightful bounce and a bright, resonant sound that can make typing feel exhilarating, which is particularly beneficial for users who engage in intense typing sessions or gaming marathons where precision is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer touch and a more laid-back typing experience, the KTT Peach's medium-light actuation force of 53 grams will likely suit you better. With its syrupy smoothness and low-pitched, thocky sound profile, the Peach is perfect for those who want a quiet and pleasant typing experience, whether you're working from home or in an office setting. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you seek more resistance and bounce or a lighter and more muted typing experience.
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