HMX Lotus vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and KTT Matcha stand out for their unique characteristics and performance. The Lotus, a linear switch, offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound that enhances every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, boasts a comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. While the Lotus delivers a delightful typing experience with its bouncy feel, the Matcha offers a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and KTT Matcha switches both feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Lotus utilizing nylon for both, while the Matcha opts for polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition. While both materials have their own unique qualities, they result in distinct auditory experiences for users.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the differences carry through between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Lotus continues to offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing, due to its softer composition. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha maintains its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, in line with its top housing. This consistency in material usage throughout the switch allows for a cohesive overall sound experience, with each housing material contributing to the switch's unique sound profile.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for switch housings ultimately depends on the sound profile that users prefer. The nylon used in the Lotus provides a softer and more absorbent sound experience, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate in the Matcha offers a crisper and more resonant sound profile. Whether one prefers a rounder, duller sound or a sharper, clearer sound will dictate which switch is more suitable for individual preferences. Despite their differences, both materials serve their purpose well in enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both offer relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, with the Lotus having slightly higher values. The Lotus requires 45 grams of force to actuate a key and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Matcha needs 40 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out. These differences may not be very significant in practice, so users can expect similar typing experiences from both switches. Some may prefer the slightly lighter feel of the Matcha, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier touch of the Lotus for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Matcha tactile switch, which has a 4 mm travel distance. The Lotus offers a quicker key press experience, ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Matcha provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different travel distances catering to individual preferences, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 linear switch is known for its bright and resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem, giving it a distinct clacky sound that is sharp and snappy. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance your typing enjoyment, and the sound produced can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a delightful typing experience with its bouncy feel. As for the KTT Matcha tactile switch, users can expect a comfortable and snappy tactility while typing, thanks to its stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle characteristics. These features make the Matcha switch responsive and tactile without being overwhelming, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience without excessive finger strain.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The bright and resonant sound of the Lotus switch complements its bouncy feel, while the Matcha switch provides a distinct clacky sound along with comfortable tactility. Both switches are designed to elevate your typing experience and cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can achieve a satisfying typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. Ultimately, whether you prefer the bouncy feel of the Lotus or the snappy tactility of the Matcha, both switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Lotus and Matcha switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize key feel or sound in your mechanical keyboard experience.