HMX Lotus vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus and KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus is known 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 Orange switches come with a 22mm long spring for a bouncy type feel, a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, offering a slick, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches excel in their own ways, with the Lotus providing a delightful typing experience and the Orange ensuring smooth and fluid key travel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Lotus and the KTT Orange feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Lotus utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Orange uses polycarbonate for both housing components, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. While both switches provide a solid typing experience, the choice of housing material will significantly impact the overall sound and feel of each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing material of the switches also plays a role in the design and functionality. The Lotus's nylon housing offers a classic and timeless look, while the Orange's polycarbonate housing gives a more modern and translucent appearance. Additionally, the polycarbonate material of the Orange allows for greater light transmission, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting for a visually appealing setup. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary look, both the HMX Lotus and the KTT Orange deliver on style and functionality with their unique housing materials.
While the HMX Lotus and the KTT Orange may use different housing materials, the end result is a similar goal of providing a satisfying typing experience. Both switches leverage the specific properties of their housing materials to enhance sound quality and key feel, whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Lotus or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Orange. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, aesthetics, and functionality, making either option a solid choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a high-quality typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch differ slightly. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams, while the Lotus also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Orange's 53 grams. The Lotus is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switch provides a slightly heavier feel, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Lotus offering a lighter touch and the Orange offering a slightly heavier touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch is the same, both measuring at 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. With this similarity, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and key feel when using keyboards with either the HMX Lotus or KTT Orange switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same level of feedback and responsiveness, making them equally suitable choices for users looking for a linear switch with a 3.5 mm travel distance.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 provides a bright, resonant sound profile that adds a lively touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and surrounding factors.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Lotus switch offers a bouncy feeling with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, giving each keystroke a delightful, spring-like sensation. In comparison, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy feel as well but also boasts a frictionless experience thanks to its factory-lubing, ensuring smooth and effortless key travel. The combination of bounce and fluidity in the Orange switch creates a unique typing experience that minimizes resistance and maximizes comfort.
Considering all the available information, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch both offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Lotus switch emphasizes a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel, the Orange switch focuses on a low-pitched sound profile and a combination of bounciness and frictionless key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you opt for the Lotus or Orange, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that aligns with your unique preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and bouncy typing experience with a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a slick, frictionless feel, the KTT Orange linear switch would be more suitable. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches to ensure a typing experience that aligns with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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