HMX Lotus vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus is admired for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mint stands out for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel, enhanced by a long pole stem that delivers a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting typing experience. While the Lotus offers a more tactile and bouncy typing feel, the Mint provides a smoother and lighter touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the KTT Mint, one key difference is the top housing material used. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Mint utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of material for the top housing impacts the overall sound experience of the switch, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound while polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housing materials of the Lotus and Mint switches, they share a commonality in both using nylon. This material choice in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will exhibit a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The impact of the bottom housing material is particularly notable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, highlighting the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound characteristics.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the HMX Lotus and KTT Mint switches showcase how material choices can significantly affect the sound profile and typing experience. While the Lotus's nylon top housing creates a softer and deeper sound, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a consistent deep and full sound experience. Understanding the role of each housing material in shaping the overall sound profile is essential for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them both on the lighter side in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mint has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Lotus. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lotus, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Mint. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user values a lighter typing experience for extended use or a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have different travel distances. The Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Mint provides a longer travel distance, which can offer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Lotus may result in quicker key presses, while the longer travel distance of the Mint may offer a more satisfying typing experience for some users.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound that adds a delightful bounce to each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is known for a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various preferences. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Lotus switch provides a medium weight of 50g bottom out, resulting in a super bouncy feeling while typing. Conversely, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction for a sleek keystroke. The Mint switch also provides a light and fleeting type feel, creating a satisfyingly smooth linear typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the HMX Lotus linear switch excels in providing a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched, neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are tailored to different preferences, with the Lotus switch focusing on a lively typing experience while the Mint switch prioritizes a smooth and refined feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a super bouncy and bright typing experience with a light-medium bottom out force, the HMX Lotus linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, the KTT Mint linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a bouncy and resonant sound or a smooth and polished typing experience, both the Lotus and Mint switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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