HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct characteristics that cater to various typing preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a firmer touch, featuring a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g that provides a satisfying bounce with every keystroke, complemented by a bright, resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and buttery feel, thanks to the clever use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, offering typists a delightful creamy sensation. This switch also delivers a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that adds a unique auditory element to your typing. While both switches emphasize a linear feel, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, making it essential to consider what aspects matter most in your typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches demonstrate a distinct contrast in their acoustic profiles and structural characteristics. The Lotus (Heavy) relies on a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture which effectively absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. This can create a satisfaction of tactile feedback, generating a sound signature that is duller and rounder. In comparison, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend for its top housing, which offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound. This variance in material leads to different auditory experiences when typing; the softness of nylon provides a more subdued response, while the KTT blend introduces a more vibrant, lively sound.
Turning to the bottom housing, both switches employ distinctly different materials that also affect their performance characteristics. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon bottom housing, which echoes the sound dampening properties of its top counterpart, reinforcing its overall deep sound signature. In stark contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is equipped with a POK bottom housing, which is not only smoother but also significantly more durable. The POK material's lower friction and enhanced shock resistance contribute to a snappier feel upon keystroke, boosting the clackiness of the typing experience. This underlying difference suggests that while both switches can elicit enjoyable sound profiles, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's construction ultimately fosters a more pronounced auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience in a different manner than the Lotus (Heavy).
Despite these differences, both the Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique approaches to sound and durability, reflecting their individual material choices. When pressed into a keystroke, the qualities of the bottom housing will play a critical role in dictating the feel and bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing the key. For users seeking a more muted, plush experience, the Lotus (Heavy) provides a classic feel. Conversely, for those who prefer a sharper, more dynamic response, the Vanilla Ice Cream comes across as a better option. Ultimately, while both switches come from different material backgrounds, their design choices lead to varied yet distinct typing experiences, allowing users to select according to personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Vanilla Ice Cream more suitable, while those who favor a more substantial, tactile experience may appreciate the heavier feel of the Lotus switch. Ultimately, the differences in forces suggest that the Lotus offers a firmer resistance, thereby catering to users seeking a solid push, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream promotes comfort with its lower force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that users will experience the same key press depth when utilizing either switch. This similarity ensures that both switches provide consistent activation and responsiveness, making them equally suitable for typists and gamers who prefer linear feedback. Since both switches have the same measurement, users can expect a similar feel and performance in their typing experience, allowing for a seamless transition between the two if desired.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is known for its bright and resonant sound profile, which offers a super bouncy auditory experience that adds to the overall typing delight. This crispness can be particularly satisfying for those who appreciate a sharper sound when keying in. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch presents a diverse acoustic experience characterized by a high-pitched and clacky signature, along with marbly resonances. This means that while the Lotus may provide a lively and distinct sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches deliver a more complex auditory experience with a clean and sharp tone that many typists find appealing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g that contributes to a pleasurable bouncy typing sensation, allowing for each keypress to feel dynamic and engaging. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is highlighted for its buttery and creamy feel, which provides a remarkably smooth and fluid keystroke experience. While the Lotus offers weighty feedback, the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a silken gliding sensation, which can make typing feel effortless—albeit in different ways.
In summary, although both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Lotus provides a bright sound and a bouncy feedback that some may find exhilarating, while the Vanilla Ice Cream excels in delivering a smooth and creamy feel paired with a distinct high-pitched auditory profile. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound or a silky touch, each switch can stand out in its own right, ensuring that typists can choose what best suits their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more substantial feel with a moderate bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Lotus offers a satisfying tactile experience characterized by its bouncy keystrokes and bright, resonant sound. This makes it an excellent choice for those who favor a more robust switch and appreciate the auditory satisfaction that comes with a pronounced sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is an ideal option with its 48 grams of force. The buttery and creamy feel, complemented by its high-pitched, marbly sound, caters to typists who seek a smooth and enjoyable keystroke without the weight. Ultimately, consider your typing needs: for stronger feedback and an engaging sound profile, lean towards the Lotus; for softness, fluidity, and a delightful acoustic touch, the Vanilla Ice Cream is the way to go.
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