HMX Lotus vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and KTT Purple Star offer distinct typing experiences. The Lotus, a linear switch, is praised 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 Purple Star, also a linear switch, stands out for its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out that makes it ideal for light typists. While the Lotus offers a more tactile and bouncy typing feel, the Purple Star provides ease and comfort for those who prefer a smoother 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and KTT Purple Star both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Lotus utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite the differences in material, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics.
While the Lotus and Purple Star both utilize different housing materials, they share similarities in their ability to create a deeper sound profile. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Lotus work together to produce a deep and fuller sound when typing on the switch, while the POM top and bottom housing of the Purple Star also contribute to a similar deep sound profile that is more muted. This results in a typing experience that is both satisfying and unique, showcasing the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound of a switch.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials for these switches are distributed between the top and bottom housing components. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This split of qualities between top and bottom housing allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each component contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch in a distinct way.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, with slight differences between them. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with a minimal difference in force required for typing. This makes them both suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods. However, for those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may find the Lotus to be slightly heavier than the Purple Star due to the 2-gram difference in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keys.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch is identical, both measuring 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. Due to their equivalent travel distances, users can expect similar results when typing or gaming with keyboards featuring either of these switches. Therefore, whether you choose the HMX Lotus or the KTT Purple Star, you can enjoy a consistent typing experience with the same travel distance for each key press.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and resonant typing experience, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch delivers a neutral sound signature with a low-pitched tone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have their unique sound profiles, so the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus switch provides a medium weight of 50g bottom-out, giving it a distinct typing feel that adds to the overall experience of using the keyboard. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a light 45g bottom-out, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless and comfortable typing experience. With a mild and easy-to-press nature, the Purple Star switch presents a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus and KTT Purple Star linear switches each offer their own set of subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a bright and bouncy typing experience, the Purple Star switch delivers a more neutral sound profile with a light and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, typing habits, and the overall keyboard setup. Whether you choose the Lotus or Purple Star switch, you can expect to enjoy a high-quality typing experience tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a bouncy feeling with a slightly heavier actuation force and bright sound, the Lotus switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lower actuation force and a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you while typing.
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