HMX Lotus vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and KTT Wine Red both offer unique experiences for users. The Lotus switch is a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a super bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound that makes every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch, also a linear switch, offers a pillowy light type feel with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. The Lotus switch is best known for its bouncy feel, while the Wine Red switch is praised for its deep sound profile. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and the KTT Wine Red switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Lotus's nylon top and bottom housings provide a deep and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Wine Red's polycarbonate housings create a sharper and crisper sound profile characterized by its stiffness and clear resonant qualities. While the Lotus focuses on a duller and rounder sound, the Wine Red emphasizes a higher-pitched and more resonant tone, appealing to different preferences in sound quality.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound and feel. The Lotus's use of nylon throughout the switch creates a consistent deep and full sound profile, offering a cohesive typing experience for users. Similarly, the Wine Red's polycarbonate housings maintain a sharp and clear sound profile across the switch, providing a dynamic typing experience. While the specific qualities differ between the two materials, the overall goal of enhancing sound and feel remains consistent, resulting in satisfying typist experiences for both HMX Lotus and KTT Wine Red users.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material can also impact the appearance of the switch. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Wine Red switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience. In comparison, the Nylon housings of the Lotus may not offer the same visual effect but prioritize sound quality over aesthetics. Both switches demonstrate how housing materials play a significant role not only in sound production but also in enhancing the overall user experience through both auditory and visual elements.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams, while the Wine Red needs 55 grams, making the Wine Red slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches provide a smooth linear experience for typing or gaming, and those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Lotus more suitable for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Wine Red due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. The Lotus switch would provide a slightly faster response time compared to the Wine Red due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Lotus for its quicker actuation, while those who prefer a deeper keypress may opt for the Wine Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a faster or more deliberate typing experience.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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, creating a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch delivers a deep and rich sound profile, characterized by a pillowy light feel. The Wine Red switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a satisfyingly rich tone during typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Lotus focusing on brightness and resonance, while the Wine Red emphasizes depth and richness.
In terms of feel, the Lotus switch is known for providing a medium weight of 50g bottom out, resulting in a satisfying tactile feedback that adds to the bouncy typing experience. The Wine Red switch, on the other hand, offers a pillowy light feel that is comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. While specific details about the tactile feedback of the Wine Red switch are not provided, it is likely to offer a smooth and consistent typing experience based on its description.
Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch excels in providing a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel, while the Wine Red switch stands out for its deep and rich sound profile and pillowy light feel. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams and a deeper, richer sound profile characterized by bass tones, the KTT Wine Red switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience and sound profile that best suits your preferences and needs.
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