HMX Lotus vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and KTT Strawberry both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lotus stands out for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry is cherished for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, housed in an attractive pink and clear casing. While the Lotus offers a more tactile and auditory experience, the Strawberry provides a low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. Each switch has its own strengths depending on the user's preferences. 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
62g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and KTT Strawberry switches exhibit a significant contrast in terms of sound profiles. The Lotus, with its nylon top housing, produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. While the Lotus offers a more muffled and muted typing experience, the Strawberry provides a louder and more distinct sound with each keypress.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches share similar characteristics due to their respective nylon and polycarbonate materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Lotus enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile, mirroring the effects of the nylon top housing. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to the sharper and crisper sound profile, in line with the attributes of the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches maintain consistency in sound quality throughout, ensuring a cohesive typing experience regardless of whether the keypress is from the top or bottom of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Lotus and KTT Strawberry ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound profile. The Lotus offers a quieter and more subdued typing experience with its nylon housing, ideal for those who prefer a softer and rounder sound. In contrast, the Strawberry provides a louder and crisper typing experience with its polycarbonate housing, catering to individuals who enjoy a sharper and more resonant sound. Both switches deliver unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, showcasing the versatility of housing materials in influencing the overall typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Lotus requires 50 grams of force while the Strawberry needs 62 grams, making the Strawberry the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Lotus for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Strawberry for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry. The Lotus would provide a slightly quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Strawberry's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more traditional and deeper feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of shallow to traditional travel distances, offering a balance between quick response and satisfying depth. 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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its bright and resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of a switch can also vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, so it is important to consider these factors when choosing a switch based on sound qualities.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, but specific descriptors for the feel of this switch are not provided. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as offering a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These descriptors suggest that the Strawberry switch provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a polished finish, enhancing the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and resonant sound with a medium weight, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch provides a low-pitched sound and a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a bright, resonant sound with a bouncy typing experience, then the HMX Lotus switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a low-pitched sound with a smooth, frictionless, silky, buttery, or polished typing feel, then the KTT Strawberry switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to factor in these considerations before making your decision.
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