HMX Lotus vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and KTT Semi Mute offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Lotus switch, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, provides a super bouncy feeling that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch, despite its name, operates silently and is ideal for those seeking a noise-free environment. The advanced dampening technology and linear actuation of the Semi Mute switch ensure a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Despite these general pointers, 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the KTT Semi Mute differ significantly in terms of sound profile and material properties. The Lotus features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic makeup which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. While the Lotus is designed for a more muffled and softer typing experience, the Semi Mute offers a more precise and defined sound when typing on the switches.
Conversely, the bottom housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the KTT Semi Mute also exhibit differences in sound output and material characteristics. The Lotus's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience with a dull and round sound when bottoming out keys. In comparison, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a more clear and resonant sound profile. These differences in bottom housing material between the two switches demonstrate how varying materials can impact the sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards.
In cases where the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, such as in the HMX Lotus and the KTT Semi Mute, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Depending on the specific housing material used, the feel and sound of typing on the switch will be influenced either primarily by the bottom or top housing. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding the distinct properties of the housing materials in each switch, users can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus is lighter in both aspects. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Semi Mute has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Lotus provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter feel when typing for extended periods of time. In contrast, the Semi Mute offers a slightly heavier feel, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a stronger push. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight differences in force may cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, whether the actuation and bottom out forces are similar or different, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Semi Mute linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lotus offers a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch provides a slightly deeper keystroke due to its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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, creating a super bouncy sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed to be completely silent, providing a muted and quiet typing experience perfect for noise-sensitive environments. The Lotus switch will deliver a more lively audial feedback, while the Semi Mute switch focuses on minimizing sound output for a disturbance-free typing session.
Looking at the feel of the switches, the HMX Lotus linear switch provides a medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a satisfying and bouncy typing feel. In comparison, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as having a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Lotus switch will give a slightly bouncier feel, while the Semi Mute switch offers a more fluid and gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a bright and resonant sound along with a bouncy typing feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a completely silent operation and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound with a super bouncy feeling, then the Lotus switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium bottom out force, a muted and quiet typing experience, and a comfortable and gratifying feel with linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, then the Semi Mute switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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