KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow, a linear switch, and the HMX Lotus, also a linear switch. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, providing resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring gives it a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. While the Cream Yellow is categorized as ['Bouncy', 'Clacky'], the Lotus lacks a specific category. When deciding between the two, it may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Lotus provide contrasting characteristics in terms of sound profile. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. In comparison, the Lotus's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both materials excel in enhancing sound quality, they cater to different preferences in sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and Lotus use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to other harder plastics. This similarity suggests that the typing experience on both switches will offer a consistent sound quality and feel when pressing down on the keys. While the top and bottom housings may differ between the two switches, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile and impact on bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Lotus showcase how different plastic compositions can significantly impact the sound profile of mechanical switches. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. With both switches utilizing nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the sound profile and feel. Whether preferring a sharper or fuller sound, individuals can choose between these switches based on their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus is the lighter of the two. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Lotus more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial key press. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference for typing feel and the amount of force they are comfortable with.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience whether they opt for the Cream Yellow or the Lotus switch. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, making them equally suitable for individuals looking for a specific typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The HMX Lotus comes in at $3.49 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 conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow excels in providing a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, perfect for those who enjoy a crisp and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus switches boast a medium weight and bright, resonant sound, accompanied by a super bouncy feeling that adds a delightful touch to every keystroke. While the specific descriptions of feel and sound may differ between the two switches, considering their similar bouncy nature, it can be inferred that users can expect a comparable level of tactile feedback and acoustics from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and Lotus switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a distinctively clacky sound, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy typing feel and resonant audio feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a super bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. The Lotus switch provides a delightful keystroke experience that is both smooth and enjoyable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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