HMX Lotus vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Pine 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 Pine Linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus switch is well-known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Pine Linear switch boasts a medium-heavy weight, buttery smooth feel, and a polished, factory-lubed finish for minimized friction and smooth key travel. While the Lotus switch offers a delightful typing experience with its bouncy feel, the Pine switch provides a smooth and effortless 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and KTT Pine differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Lotus using nylon for both the top and bottom housings while the Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both. The nylon housing of the Lotus offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Pine results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, with its stiffer composition leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
While the Lotus and Pine share similarities in terms of their housing materials, they ultimately offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Lotus contributes to its deeper sound profile, creating a fuller typing experience that resonates through each key press. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine produces a sharper and crisper sound, adding a different dimension to the typing feedback. Despite both switches using the same material for their bottom housing, the overall sound and feel vary significantly between the two due to the nature of nylon versus polycarbonate.
In conclusion, the differences in housing materials between the HMX Lotus and KTT Pine play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The softer nylon of the Lotus results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate of the Pine creates a sharper and crisper tone. Whether it be the top or bottom housing, each material brings unique qualities to the switches, affecting the overall typing feel and sound output. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feedback.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch are both 45 grams, meaning that both switches will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Lotus is 50 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that while both switches have the same actuation force, the Pine will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Lotus may be the better choice, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may prefer the Pine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Pine. The traditional travel distance for switches is around 4.0 mm, making the Pine more in line with this standard. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Lotus a popular choice for gaming setups. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel, the Pine's longer travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
The HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its bright and resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight of 50g bottom out. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deeper and richer tone during key presses. When it comes to sound, the Lotus may provide a more vibrant and lively typing experience, while the Pine offers a smoother and mellower sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus switch is known for its responsive and dynamic keystrokes. Meanwhile, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine switches minimizes friction for a seamless and effortless typing sensation. While the Lotus switches may provide a bouncy and enjoyable typing feel, the Pine switches offer a more luxurious and effortless experience.
Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch each have their unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Lotus switch may appeal to those looking for a brighter and more resonant sound with a bouncy typing experience, while the Pine switch may be preferred by those seeking a smoother and buttery sound profile with effortless key travel. However, both switches are linear and offer a medium weight, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing dynamics and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the individual preferences of the user regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the bottom out force of each switch. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 50 grams and a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switches from HMX may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a bottom out force of 58 grams and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switches might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and sound preferences.
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