HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Purple Click 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 Purple Click can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) is a linear switch that boasts a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, delivering a super bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound that adds a pleasurable tactile sensation to every keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click offers a distinct clicky experience with its high-pitched, satisfying click sound. Known for providing a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback, this switch caters to users who enjoy an invigorating typing experience while still keeping keystrokes light and manageable. While the Lotus (Heavy) is perfect for those seeking a soft and fluid keystroke, the Purple Click is suited for users who desire audio feedback and tactile reassurance. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Purple Click switches utilize significantly different materials for their top housings, which results in varying sound profiles during operation. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound thanks to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound waves more effectively. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder auditory experience that many users may find comforting and satisfying. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click employs a polycarbonate top housing, a material that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate ensures a clearer and more resonant tone, making it ideal for users who prefer more bright and cutting auditory feedback while typing.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a uniformity in sound and feel for that particular aspect of the typing experience. The nylon bottom of the KTT Purple Click provides the same qualities associated with the Lotus (Heavy)'s bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during bottom-out actions. This shared material for the bottom housing suggests that, although the top housings differ significantly in acoustics due to their contrasting materials, the tactile feedback when bottoming out will be consistent across both switches, giving users a similar experience when pressing the keys down to their full extent.
In essence, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Purple Click switches diverge in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—the presence of nylon in the bottom housing offers a common ground in acoustic properties for bottom-out typing sounds. Users of both switches can expect the tactile feedback and sound profile during key presses to be aligned, even if the sound transitions during key release differ due to the top housing materials. This nuanced division of sound characteristics allows users to choose between two distinct auditory experiences while still enjoying a familiar bottoming-out sensation when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, notable differences emerge. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a heavier option overall. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction highlights that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with greater resistance might gravitate towards the heavier Lotus (Heavy) switch, while those who value extended typing sessions or lighter key presses may find the Purple Click more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for weight and feel during prolonged use, with the Lotus being the heavier option and the Purple Click being lighter.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Purple Click measures at 4 mm. This means that the Purple Click switch, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth and tactile feedback. On the contrary, the Lotus (Heavy), being shorter at 3.5 mm, provides a quicker response time that gamers often favor for its responsiveness. Therefore, if you value a more pronounced keystroke, the KTT Purple Click would be the better choice; whereas, if you prefer faster actuation, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the optimal option.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 features a bright and resonant tone, making it appealing for those who enjoy a vivid auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a distinctly higher-pitched and satisfying click sound, often compared to the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot. This clicky character adds an engaging layer to each keystroke, creating an immersive auditory environment that many users find pleasurable. Both switches, while differing in type, contribute to a unique soundscape that enhances the typing experience, although they cater to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is renowned for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a bouncy sensation that makes each keystroke feel lively and enjoyable. The KTT Purple Click switch, on the other hand, strikes a balance with its light actuation force yet provides pronounced tactile feedback, ensuring a snappy and invigorating typing experience. Its stepped design allows for distinct feedback throughout the keystroke, making it feel both engaging and dynamic. While the feel of the Lotus switch is defined by a more straightforward linear action, the KTT Purple Click offers a more nuanced tactile sensation, making the two switches appealing to different types of users.
Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Purple Click switches cater to diverse preferences in both sound and feel. The Lotus appeals to those who prefer a bouncy, resonant typing experience, whereas the Purple Click attracts individuals who enjoy a pronounced clicky feedback with a lighter touch. Ultimately, whether one is drawn to the exhilaration of heavy, linear keystrokes or the satisfying click of a tactile switch, each option delivers a unique tactile experience, demonstrating that the world of mechanical keyboard switches is vast and tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a more substantial keystroke and enjoy the sensation of a bouncy feeling while typing, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent option for you. Its heavier bottom-out force of 62.5 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance the tactile experience. The bright, resonant sound of each keystroke adds an extra auditory delight, enriching your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and appreciate pronounced auditory feedback, the KTT Purple Click would be more suitable. With its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams and a satisfying, crunchy sound profile, it allows for a snappier typing experience while still providing the tactile feedback that makes each keystroke engaging. Additionally, the invigorating feel of the Purple Click lets you experience a unique balance of tactility without overwhelming resistance. Therefore, consider your typing needs and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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