HMX Lotus vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it becomes evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Lotus switch stands out 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 Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While the Lotus switch is categorized as medium, the Sea Salt Lemon switch falls under low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing between the two. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can 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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ significantly in terms of the material used. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in material choice highlights the different sound characteristics each switch will produce during typing.
On the other hand, both the HMX Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon use nylon for their bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of switches is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches suggests that they may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the distinct differences in the top housing material will likely result in noticeable variations in sound profile between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material for switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the HMX Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon share a common bottom housing material in nylon, their differing top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate create unique sound characteristics. The Lotus's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing delivers a clearer and more resonant sound. These variations highlight the importance of housing materials in achieving specific sound profiles and demonstrate how different materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The difference in bottom out force may provide users with a slightly different typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch to type for extended periods, the Lotus may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a slightly shorter option compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus provides a quicker response time, which is favored by many gamers, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a slightly deeper key press experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the market. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial key press feel.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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, resonant sound that is sure to stand out. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that is more mellow and suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can add to the overall typing experience, with the Lotus providing a more bouncy feeling and the Sea Salt Lemon offering a buttery smooth typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a satisfying keystroke experience. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches offer a different feel that caters to different preferences, with the Lotus offering a more pronounced characteristic and the Sea Salt Lemon providing a safe middle-ground zone for comfort.
Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have their own unique qualities that make them stand out in the world of mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you prefer a bright, bouncy feel with a resonant sound, like the Lotus, or a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, like the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switches from HMX may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams and a buttery smooth typing experience with a progressive spring, the Sea Salt Lemon switches from KTT would be the better option. Both switches offer their own unique sound profiles and tactile feels, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your needs and preferences best.
Mentioned in this article
