HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon 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 Sea Salt Lemon can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a bright and resonant sound with a super bouncy feeling that elevates every keystroke into a delightful encounter. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring design and KTT’s dry-lube strategy, making it a prime example of what a linear switch can accomplish. While the Lotus (Heavy) appeals to typists and gamers looking for a tactile feedback and satisfying auditory feedback, the Sea Salt Lemon caters to those prioritizing a smooth and consistent keystroke. 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
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 Sea Salt Lemon, it is clear that they employ different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the resulting sound profiles. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilizes nylon for its top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. This is predominantly due to nylon's comparatively softer and more sound-absorbing nature. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon uses polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that yields a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The difference in material leads to two distinct auditory experiences; while the Lotus (Heavy) focuses on a duller and rounder sound, the Sea Salt Lemon shines with its clear and resonant tones which can be further enhanced by RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate.
However, despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring a commonality in sound characteristics at that level. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the sound profile of both switches by providing the same deeper and fuller sound quality when the key is bottomed out. This shared aspect allows for a familiar auditory feedback when typing, despite the varied auditory experiences that arise from their top housings. Therefore, even though the KTT Sea Salt Lemon produces crisper sounds from its polycarbonate top, users can still expect a similar warmth in sound quality upon bottoming out due to the nylon material in both bottom housings.
The interplay of these materials highlights how the top and bottom housing can complement each other, creating a layered sound experience. The Lotus (Heavy) exhibits a harmonious blend of softer sounds, while the Sea Salt Lemon’s sharper higher-pitched tones can still evoke a sense of fullness thanks to the nylon bottom. When these two types of switches are pressed, the user will feel the characteristics of their respective bottom housings more prominently, with the nylon ensuring that even polycarbonate can maintain some deeper sound presence. Consequently, enthusiasts looking to achieve a specific sound profile in their typing experience can see synergy between the nylon bottom housing and varied top housing materials, demonstrating how a thoughtful combination of plastics can yield satisfying results in both tactile and auditory performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a heavier option that provides a more substantial push feel during typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which classifies it as a medium-light switch. This discrepancy means that the Lotus (Heavy) appeals to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback, ideal for users seeking a more robust typing experience, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon may be better suited for individuals who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the two switches offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences for weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, a notable difference arises. The Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response with a more abrupt feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) could be more suitable due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke and a feeling of depth as they press down on the key. Thus, those seeking faster gaming response times might gravitate toward the Lotus (Heavy), while those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience could favor the Sea Salt Lemon.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch boasts a bright and resonant profile, providing an almost lively auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic element. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches deliver a low-pitched sound, characterized by a bass-heavy tone that is more mellow in comparison. Additionally, they feature a neutral sound quality, making them versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The auditory experience in either case will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycap materials, meaning that users may find diverse sound profiles even within a single switch type.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g that contributes to a super bouncy sensation with each keystroke, creating a delightful tactile experience that is ideal for those who enjoy a heavier switching action. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is designed for smoothness, incorporating a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube technology to offer a buttery feel that is exceptionally gentle on the fingers. The Sea Salt Lemon's mild characteristics make for an approachable typing experience, while the Lotus (Heavy)'s vibrant feedback creates a more engaging interaction that may appeal to different preferences depending on the typist's style.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer distinct qualities tailored to different types of users. The Lotus (Heavy) excels in providing a bright and resonant sound along with a bouncy, medium-heavy feel, attracting those who favor an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a subdued, low-pitched sound and a smooth, mild typing feel catering to those who prioritize comfort and stealth. Ultimately, your choice between these two linear switches will hinge on whether you’re seeking an auditory pop with a more assertive keystroke or a smooth and mellow typing journey.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when determining which switch to choose between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear, it really depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile feel and desire a more pronounced audible feedback with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) might be the preferable option for you. Its bouncy action can make typing feel engaging and lively, suitable for both gaming enthusiasts and those who enjoy a more energetic typing experience. Conversely, if you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would likely be a better fit. Its medium-light weight encourages rapid typing with less fatigue, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions whether you’re at home or in a professional environment. The Sea Salt Lemon's low-pitched sound and mild characteristics offer a balanced play that caters well to a broader range of users, from beginners to experienced typists. Ultimately, consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or weight—align closest with your typing style, and choose accordingly for an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
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