KTT Rose vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and comparing the KTT Rose and the HMX SU highlights this diversity in design and experience, both featuring linear characteristics that cater to different typing styles. The KTT Rose switches are renowned not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their innovative use of progressive springs, delivering a typing experience that is both substantial and light. Users are treated to a satisfying, low-pitched sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU switches are crafted with a robust full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, producing a deeper, subtle sound profile that resonates with those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Both switches, with their unique tactile experiences and sound characteristics, provide excellent options for typists and gamers alike. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Rose and HMX SU switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which can significantly affect their sound profiles. The KTT Rose features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound when a key is pressed. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, the key distinction between the two switches lies in their top housings; while the Rose leans towards brightness and definition, the SU emphasizes warmth and depth.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon for this component. This results in a consistent sound quality across both switches when considering the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing contributes a uniform level of sound absorption, which enhances the deeper tone. Therefore, regardless of the variances in the top housings, users can expect a similar foundational sound profile when bottoming out, centered on the characteristics of the nylon material.
When analyzing both switches as a whole, the interaction between the top and bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall auditory experience. The Rose, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, provides a contrast that results in a unique sound profile—sharp on the upstroke while still embracing warmth upon bottoming out. Conversely, the HMX SU, with its nylon top, maintains that rounded sound throughout, potentially offering a more cohesive auditory experience. In conclusion, while the KTT Rose and HMX SU differ in their top housing materials, they converge in their use of nylon in the bottom housing, enabling users to enjoy a blend of characteristics that resonate well within both designs.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Rose has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This information indicates that the HMX SU is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or intensive gaming, thanks to its lower resistance. Meanwhile, the KTT Rose, with its heavier bottom out force, would appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. With the specified actuation force for the Rose being unknown, it is unclear how the actuation forces compare directly; however, the heavier bottom out force of the Rose suggests a firmer feel at the end of the keystroke compared to the more balanced and lighter feel of the HMX SU.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it is clear that the KTT Rose offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU is shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference can significantly impact the typing experience: the longer travel distance of the Rose switch may provide a more substantial tactile feedback and a deeper feel, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the SU switch may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation and less distance to travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness in their typing or gaming activities.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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 KTT Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched audio profile characterized by a bassy tone reminiscent of falling raindrops, creating a mellow and soothing auditory experience. This sound profile is complemented by its neutral characteristics, which allow it to fit comfortably in various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a subtle and relatively deep sound profile due to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, although specific descriptors are not provided. Ultimately, while the Rose is known for its comforting bass-heavy notes, the SU aims for a more understated audio experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Rose switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature of the Rose ensures that it offers gentle feedback, making it user-friendly for those who might be new to mechanical keyboards. Its polished feel is attributed to reduced friction, resulting in a smooth keypress that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX SU linear switch remains unspecified, which leaves some ambiguity regarding its overall typing experience. Thus, while the Rose is designed for a refined and smooth experience, we have limited insight into the tactile feedback associated with the SU.
In conclusion, both the KTT Rose and HMX SU linear switches cultivate unique auditory and tactile experiences for users, with the Rose offering a distinctively soothing and comfortable feel along with its pleasant sound characteristics. The SU, while also delivering a deep sound profile, lacks specific details in terms of feel. If you’re considering both, you may find that the Rose provides a more comprehensive and favorable typing experience, especially for newcomers; however, the SU might suit those who prefer subtler auditory feedback. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the type of experience you are seeking from your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, your choice should largely hinge on your personal preference for typing pressure and sound. If you enjoy a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and appreciate a bass-heavy, polished typing experience that offers a balance of substantial feedback and smoothness, the KTT Rose would be a fitting choice. It’s ideal for those who favor a more refined, mild typing experience, whether you're using your keyboard for gaming or typing intensive work. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the HMX SU switch would be more suitable. Its relatively deep sound profile, combined with a focus on a lighter actuation force, makes it excellent for long typing sessions without causing fatigue, or for users who simply like a lighter switch. Therefore, when considering your choice, weigh your own typing habits and preferences; whether you're leaning toward a richer sound and tactile satisfaction with the Rose, or a lightweight and understated experience with the SU, each switch offers its unique advantages tailored to different styles of usage.
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