HMX Lotus vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are both exceptional options to consider. The HMX Lotus switch is best known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, offering a super bouncy feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the ingenious use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, giving it a unique edge in the market. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Lotus utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a proprietary KTT blend for the top housing, which produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The difference in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to their respective housing materials, showcasing how material choice can significantly impact the auditory feedback of mechanical keyboards.
While both switches incorporate nylon in their housing materials, the HMX Lotus stands out for its consistent use of this classic switch material. This results in a more uniform sound profile throughout the typing experience, with the nylon contributing to a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch introduces a unique proprietary blend for its top housing, emphasizing a distinct high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This variation in housing materials highlights how different compositions can lead to diverse sound outputs, catering to individuals with specific preferences for typing sound and feel.
In considering the durability and smoothness of the housing materials, the HMX Lotus's nylon bottom housing is complemented by the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing. The POK material used in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers exceptional strength, wear resistance, and shock resistance compared to nylon, enhancing the overall durability of the switch. Additionally, the smoothness of the POK material contributes to a clacky typing experience, emphasizing the importance of bottom housing materials in providing a satisfying typing feel. Overall, the comparison between the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream highlights the diversity in material choices and their impact on sound, feel, and durability in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. Users who prefer a lighter typing feel may appreciate the slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces of the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who desire a bit more resistance may lean towards the Lotus. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to enjoy a comfortable and efficient typing experience regardless of their preference for lighter or heavier switches.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, users will experience the same level of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance suggests that in terms of key feel and typing experience, both switches will offer a consistent level of tactile feedback and actuation force. Overall, whether using the HMX Lotus or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 switch offers a bright and resonant sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart from other switches, giving typists a distinct typing experience. Both switches excel in delivering unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences, showcasing the diversity in mechanical keyboard switches and the multitude of options available to users.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Lotus switch is praised for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a super bouncy feeling, making typing a delightful experience. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers typists a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, akin to the dessert it is named after. Descriptors like "buttery" and "creamy" highlight the seamless and effortless keystroke experience provided by the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, adding an extra layer of comfort to the typing process.
Overall, both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel or a high-pitched sound with a smooth and creamy keystroke, both switches provide distinct characteristics that enhance the typing experience. While each switch may have its own strengths, users can expect similar levels of quality and satisfaction in their typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus switch with its 50g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its 48g bottom out force might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so make sure to choose the one that best suits your typing style.
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