KTT Ash Gray vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Ash Gray and KTT Hyacinth are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and qualities for different user preferences. The Ash Gray switch is widely recognized for its tactile response, blending a light touch with a crisp actuation. With a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed, this switch provides an excellent typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch stands out for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance. This decision was made to prevent the common issue of hard bottoming-out, ensuring a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Unlike many others, the Hyacinth switch features a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. Both switches offer their own advantages, making it essential to dive deeper into their specific features and characteristics to determine the best fit for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Hyacinth share the same materials for their top housing, both being made of polycarbonate. This material choice results in similar benefits for both switches. Polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more distinct typing experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate also contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows for stunning RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking to add visual appeal to their keyboard setup.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, whereas the Hyacinth also features a nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience thanks to the use of nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The result is a duller and rounder sound, which can be preferred by individuals seeking a more soothing and less pronounced auditory experience while typing.
It's important to note that the choice of housing materials for each switch affects different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing, made of nylon, has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing, made of polycarbonate, contributes more to the sound emitted when releasing a key. The combination of these materials in each switch allows for a well-rounded and customizable typing experience, catering to the preferences of different users. Whether you prioritize a sharper sound profile and RGB lighting or a deeper, fuller sound, both the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Hyacinth offer their unique advantages.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Hyacinth requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Conversely, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ash Gray has a force of 53 grams, whereas the Hyacinth is slightly heavier at 56 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, providing a balance between lightness and tactile response.
For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Ash Gray would be a suitable choice as it has a lower actuation force. This can be beneficial for long periods of typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and pronounced typing feel, the Hyacinth's slightly heavier actuation force may be more preferable. This provides a stronger push and a tactile response that results in a more satisfying keystroke.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches offer comparable results with only a slight variation in force. Therefore, users can expect similar outcomes in terms of pressing down fully on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch will come down to personal preference. Whether one favors a lighter touch or desires a more substantial typing experience, both switches provide options within the medium-light category.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance they travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Ash Gray or the Hyacinth, you can expect to feel a consistent 3.5 mm of travel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a satisfactory amount of travel distance for comfortable typing or gaming experiences. So, in terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch are described as neutral. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is known for being easy-to-press and offering a mild typing experience. It has a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable. This switch provides a low-impact and responsive feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is silky and subtle. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. With its gentle resistance and non-resonant sound signature, it is suitable for shared spaces.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch provides a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, creating a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. The sound profile of this switch is neutral, making it suitable for most purposes. Additionally, the ease-of-press and mild typing experience enhance the overall typing feel.
Similarly, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has its own unique qualities. It avoids hard bottoming-out with its 3.5mm travel distance and features a single-stage elongated spring for a consistent force curve. The sound profile of this switch is also neutral, and it offers a silky smooth typing experience with a subtle resistance.
In conclusion, while the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch have some differences in terms of feel, they both offer a neutral sound profile. The Ash Gray switch provides an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, while the Hyacinth switch offers a silky and subtle feel. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, consider your preferences for tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. If you prefer a switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the Ash Gray switch is a great choice. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming, yet far from the unnoticed "sandy" sensation. On the other hand, if you value a smooth typing experience with a gentle resistance and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, the Hyacinth switch is an excellent option. Its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance contributes to avoiding a hard bottoming-out experience, ensuring an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Ultimately, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. Overall, consider your personal preferences for typing feel and choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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