Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Hyacinth are two popular choices that are worth considering. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a perfect balance, not too hefty but substantial enough. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, deviating from the common trend of longer stems to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience. This decision reflects a commitment to creating an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth also distinguishes itself by using a single-stage elongated spring instead of dual-stage ones, resulting in a more consistent force curve. Both switches offer their unique advantages, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Hyacinth switches differ in some aspects. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. This material offers a different tactile experience and potentially a softer touch compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing in the Hyacinth contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. It also allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both materials offer their own advantages, users seeking a more premium feel may prefer the modified PC and UPE Blend of the Black Lotus, while those looking for a sharper sound profile and RGB compatibility might lean towards the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Hyacinth utilize nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound, resulting in a potentially more satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches would offer similar results due to their shared nylon bottom housings.
It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, their respective materials will have varying impacts on the overall typing experience. Pressing down on the switch will primarily show the qualities of the bottom housing, including the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the release of a key will be influenced more by the top housing, affecting the sound produced. Therefore, the nuances in housing materials between the Black Lotus and the Hyacinth may contribute to differences in the feel and sound when using the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Hyacinth only requires a lighter 45 grams. This means that the Hyacinth will be more sensitive and easier to activate with a lighter touch.
In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus has a higher force of 63.5 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 56 grams. This indicates that the Black Lotus will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a bit more force to fully depress the key.
Considering weight for various preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Hyacinth due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, those who appreciate a stronger push feel and a more weighted typing experience may find the Black Lotus more appealing.
Overall, both switches offer different levels of actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different typing preferences. Choosing between the two will depend on an individual's desired typing experience, with the Black Lotus being slightly heavier and the Hyacinth offering a lighter feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Black Lotus has a slightly longer distance to travel compared to the Hyacinth. 4.0 mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Hyacinth offers a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel more abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper sensation when typing, the Black Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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, the Black Lotus switch is not explicitly described, so we can assume that it is not known. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Black Lotus and Hyacinth switches are described as silky, which means that they offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Black Lotus switch is also described as buttery and mild, indicating that it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while still offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Hyacinth switch, on the other hand, is described as subtle, meaning that it has a gentle resistance without being too light. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a slightly more tactile feel. Both switches are polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and satisfying typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Hyacinth switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience. While the sound profile of the Black Lotus is unknown, the Hyacinth switch is described as having a neutral sound that is suitable for most purposes. Both switches aim to strike a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Overall, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch, with slight differences in the level of resistance and sound profile. However, it's important to consider other factors such as personal preferences, keyboard configuration, and keycap selection, as they can also impact the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a unique light column and unparalleled precision, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. With its silky smooth feel and reduced wobble, typing on these switches will be a pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a shorter travel distance to avoid bottoming out, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the way to go. Its commitment to balancing tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort sets it apart. Additionally, the Hyacinth's single-stage elongated spring provides a consistent force curve. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus offers a neutral profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, while the Hyacinth is described as having a gentle and non-resonant sound. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as silky with a smooth typing experience. However, the Black Lotus offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, while the Hyacinth provides a subtle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. Overall, both switches have their unique features and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing requirements.
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