KTT Mallo vs. HMX SU

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and HMX SU present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The KTT Mallo is celebrated for its gentle tactility, providing just enough feedback to enhance the typing experience without being intrusive. This creates a medium-light typing feel that suits typists seeking both comfort and precision, while its neutral sound signature allows it to blend seamlessly into various environments. In contrast, the HMX SU features a linear switch design, characterized by its smooth keystrokes devoid of tactile bumps. This switch is suitable for users who prioritize speed and fluidity, making it ideal for gaming or rapid typing tasks. The full PA12 housing coupled with a T5 stem contributes to a subtly deep sound profile, adding a distinct auditory experience. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your needs; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mallo Tactile

HMX SU Linear

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Mallo and the HMX SU keyboards utilize different materials for their top housings, fundamentally impacting their auditory profiles and design aesthetics. The Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherent to a firmer structure. This characteristic results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that many users find preferable for applications such as gaming or fast typing. In contrast, the HMX SU employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer, sound-absorbing qualities. Thus, while the Mallo's polycarbonate construction enhances clarity and resonance—especially beneficial for RGB lighting— the SU's nylon top compromises a bit on brightness in favor of warmth and richness in sound. This difference is critical for users seeking specific auditory feedback from their keyboard.

Looking at the bottom housings, both the KTT Mallo and the HMX SU utilize nylon, leading to similar sound profiles in terms of depth and fullness. The nylon’s softer nature results in a subdued auditory experience, with both models generating deeper and rounder sounds upon bottoming out. This commonality in bottom housing material facilitates a shared experience regarding tactile and auditory responses when keys are pressed. This consistency across both models highlights that despite the differences in top housing materials, users can expect a similar acoustic character when interacting with the keyboard's key switches.

Considering the overall user experience, the interaction between the respective top and bottom housing materials in both models will lead to varying sound signatures. With the Mallo's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, users will likely experience a pronounced clarity when releasing a key, contrasted with the deeper, more rounded feedback while pressing down. On the other hand, the HMX SU will present a more uniformly warm auditory experience due to the consistency of nylon across both housings, thus creating a cohesive but softer character throughout its operation. Both keyboards offer unique sound profiles that can satisfy different preferences, showcasing how careful selection of materials can influence user perceptions and experiences in subtle yet impactful ways.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo switch has an unspecified actuation force, which leaves some uncertainty about how it feels during typical use. However, it does have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. Conversely, the HMX SU switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Mallo requires more force to fully press down, the SU's lighter actuation force may result in less fatigue during extended typing sessions. Thus, for users looking for a lighter typing experience, the HMX SU is preferable. In contrast, those who favor a more substantial feel might prefer the KTT Mallo's heavier bottom out force, despite its unknown actuation force. Overall, the HMX SU is lighter, while the Mallo has a heavier bottom out force, appealing to different preferences in switch feel and typing experiences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, they exhibit a clear difference in their design. The Mallo switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with more traditional preferences for a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to the growing demand for quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. This means that if you prioritize lighter, more responsive feedback, the HMX SU would be the better choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the KTT Mallo is likely to meet your needs better. Thus, the Mallo has the longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the SU's 3.6 mm travel distance is shorter.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a neutral and subdued auditory experience. Its moderate actuation force and sound profile make it a versatile choice that can be used comfortably in a variety of settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. The subdued sound ensures that while typing is audible, it's not disruptive, making it suitable for shared spaces like offices or classrooms. Comparatively, while the specific sound qualities of the HMX SU linear switch are not detailed, the noted full PA12 housing paired with the T5 stem suggests it may produce a deeper sound profile, which may or may not share the same versatility and subtlety as the Mallo. This distinction in sound makes the Mallo more adaptable to diverse environments.

When it comes to feel, the Mallo switches provide a feathery and mild typing experience, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers. This light actuation force helps reduce finger fatigue during extended usage, making it an excellent option for both typists and gamers. The stepped and subtle characteristics of the tactile feedback create a comfortable and approachable typing experience that is less pronounced than hypertactile switches. In contrast, the specific feel characteristics of the HMX SU linear switch are not provided, leaving a gap in our understanding of its tactile or resistance attributes. However, as a linear switch, it naturally would not possess the same tactile feedback as the Mallo, catering instead to those who prefer a smoother typing experience without discernible bumps.

In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo and HMX SU switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Mallo boasts a neutral, subdued sound profile and a light, nuanced tactile feedback that suits a wide range of settings and users. Meanwhile, the HMX SU linear switch appears to focus on a deeper sound but lacks clarity in feel characteristics. Ultimately, if you are looking for versatility and a balanced typing experience, the KTT Mallo is an excellent option. However, without the specific details on the HMX SU's sound and feel, potential users should consider how these aspects align with their typing preferences when choosing their ideal switch.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the decision largely hinges on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard. If you favor a gentle tactile feedback along with a medium-light actuation force, the Mallo is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for scenarios where subtlety and finesse are essential, such as in office spaces or shared environments, where a neutral and subdued sound profile will not disturb others. The Mallo’s feathery touch and mild characteristics make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, ensuring comfort whether you’re engaged in gaming, attending classes, or working at your desk. In contrast, if you prefer an exceptionally smooth and light typing experience, the HMX SU linear switch could be your go-to option. With its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force, the SU is excellent for fast-paced gaming or situations demanding quick keystrokes without the tactile interruption. Its relatively deep sound profile provides a satisfying auditory experience while maintaining functional versatility. Therefore, your choice should reflect not just your typing style, but also the specific context in which you plan to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mallo Tactile

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more