HMX Lotus vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer unique features to suit different preferences. The Lotus, a linear switch, stands out for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, showcases beautiful translucent switches with a light actuation force of 37g, minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The 50g tactile force also delivers a satisfying and discernible tactile bump for an enjoyable typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making it challenging to choose between the two. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and KTT Phalaenopsis both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which creates a deep and fuller sound with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis uses a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic nature. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile that is especially beneficial when paired with RGB lighting for visual appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Lotus again employs nylon, offering a similar sound profile to its top housing with a deeper and fuller sound. Meanwhile, the Phalaenopsis utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound that resonates clearer. This split in housing materials for the top and bottom components allows each switch to have its own unique sound profile based on the qualities brought by the different materials. Whether it's the impact on bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, these switches offer distinct auditory experiences.
While the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials of the HMX Lotus and KTT Phalaenopsis offer contrasting sound profiles, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their unique qualities. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, each material brings its own advantages to the overall switch design. Furthermore, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a more balanced distribution of sound qualities throughout the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience for users looking for a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning they will provide a similar typing experience when bottoming out. However, the Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis's lighter actuation force of 37 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Phalaenopsis switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Lotus switch for a more substantial typing feel. When choosing between the two switches, considering the weight of the actuation force is important for determining which switch will provide the desired typing experience for long periods of time or intense gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Phalaenopsis has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus. In general, a shorter travel distance like that of the Lotus may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times, while a longer travel distance like that of the Phalaenopsis may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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 and resonant typing experience, contributing to a bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Both switches can provide a pleasing auditory feedback, but the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, leading to a super bouncy sensation that enhances the typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch features a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless while minimizing finger fatigue during prolonged use. The Phalaenopsis switch also provides a discernible tactile bump for a satisfying keystroke, ensuring a delightful typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy sound profile with a light actuation force and a discernible tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch are also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Lotus linear switch or the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is important to take into account your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a light and bouncy typing experience with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switch with its 50g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force of 37g, effortless typing, and minimal finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the Phalaenopsis switch would be a better fit. Additionally, if you appreciate a bassy and thocky sound profile, the Phalaenopsis switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience that best suits your preferences and needs.
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