HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often debate the merits of different options, and two compelling contenders are the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Pine. The Lotus (Heavy) switch is renowned for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and distinct, resonant sound profile, offering a bouncy tactile feedback that transforms each keystroke into a delightful experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch boasts a buttery smoothness paired with a polished, factory-lubed finish, creating an effortless typing experience that's well-suited for extended use. While the Lotus (Heavy) may appeal to those who enjoy a satisfying auditory and tactile response, the KTT Pine caters to users seeking a more silent and frictionless experience. Both switches have their merits; 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Pine switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a classic material known for its sound-dampening properties. As a result, the switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a muted resonance that many typists find appealing. Nylon's softer texture allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder materials, leading to the signature dull and round auditory experience. This quality is consistent across both housings of the Lotus (Heavy), creating a cohesive sound signature that enhances its appeal to users seeking a more subdued typing experience.
In contrast, the KTT Pine switches incorporate polycarbonate materials for both the top and bottom housings, which are known for their rigidity and clarity. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that offers a crisper auditory feedback when typing. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature contributes to a more resonant and articulate sound, distinguishing it from the pronounced muted tones of nylon. The translucence of polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, creating an aesthetic advantage that enhances the visual appeal of the switches. Unlike the Lotus (Heavy), the Pine’s housing choices render a more lively typing experience that is ideal for users who prefer an audible click and clarity.
Comparatively, the contrasting materials of the Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Pine lead to different tactile and auditory experiences, which may influence user preference. However, if the switches were to share the same housing material for both the top and bottom, they would likely produce similar sound qualities, either through the softened depth of nylon or the sharp clarity of polycarbonate. Ultimately, the choice of material impacts how the switch feels and sounds during use, with nylon's sound dampening heightening the experience of a heavier, robust typing sensation, while polycarbonate provides a crisper and more vibrant typing feedback. Users seeking sound consistency will find that deviations in housing materials yield distinctly different auditory experiences, emphasizing the importance of material selection in achieving desired tactile results.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier option among the two. In contrast, the KTT Pine features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter feel, suitable for lengthy typing sessions or extended gaming, may find the KTT Pine preferable. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the HMX Lotus due to its higher force requirements. While both switches have medium ratings for their bottom-out forces, the discrepancy in actuation forces indicates that the Lotus (Heavy) will require more effort to trigger a keystroke, aligning with the preferences of users seeking a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, the difference is notable. The Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Pine features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the KTT Pine, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial feel, making it potentially better suited for those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, as those favoring responsiveness might lean towards the Lotus (Heavy), while users who prefer a more pronounced actuation would likely choose the Pine.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch delivers a bright, resonant tone that pairs well with its medium-heavy actuation force, creating an engaging auditory experience. This higher-pitched quality can make typing feel lively and responsive, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch produces a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, characterized by its deeper and richer tones during key presses. This contributes to a mellow typing experience, which some users might find more satisfying for prolonged use. It’s important to note that the overall sound profile can vary based on the keyboard’s construction and the keycap material, meaning you could encounter differing acoustic results with each switch type.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch provides a super bouncy sensation, delivering an enjoyable tactile feedback with each keystroke. The 62.5g actuation weight may contribute to a more engaging typing experience, although further specifics on softness are not provided. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is notably buttery smooth, offering an effortless and seamless transition through each key press. The factory lubed finish reduces friction to create a silky-smooth typing experience, allowing for comfort over extended typing sessions. The combination of these qualities results in a creamy sensation that glides your fingers across the keys, enhancing the overall tactile enjoyment.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Pine switches are medium-heavy and aim to provide satisfying typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Lotus is bright and resonant, favoring a lively auditory engagement, while the Pine emphasizes a deeper, bassy sound contributing to a mellow atmosphere. Feel-wise, the Lotus stands out with its bouncing actuation, while the Pine excels in providing a smooth, creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a seamless tactile experience in your keyboard typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a tactile experience that offers a bit more resistance and a bright, resonant sound that adds character to your keystrokes, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams provides a satisfying feedback that many typists enjoy, especially if you prefer a more pronounced feedback while you type. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience with minimal friction, the KTT Pine is likely the better choice for you. With its polished, factory-lubed finish and slightly lighter actuation force of 58 grams, the Pine allows for effortless key presses that feel creamy and smooth, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is key. In terms of sound, the Lotus provides a bright tone while the Pine delivers a deeper, bassy resonance. Ultimately, consider the specific qualities that matter most to you in a switch—tactility, sound profile, and the overall feel—as this will guide you toward the right choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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