Durock Blue Lotus vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Hyacinth are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits for users. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are well-known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying keystroke experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches from KTT stand out for their design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance. This decision was made to avoid the common issue of hard bottoming-out experienced with switches with longer stems, prioritizing tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Furthermore, the Hyacinth switches differentiate themselves by using a single-stage elongated spring instead of the dual-stage elongated springs found in many switches, resulting in a more consistent force curve. However, let's dive deeper into the characteristics of each switch beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the KTT Hyacinth differ in terms of their housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer unique benefits. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend gives it a premium feel, while the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, both materials are known for their clarity and resonance, making them great choices for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the Hyacinth use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from this aspect of nylon, providing a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of functionality and sound, the housing materials of the two switches bring different qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing, which is nylon in both cases, impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, contributing to a unique and premium feel, the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth delivers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable and distinct typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, one noticeable difference is their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 45 grams. This means that it requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke on the Blue Lotus switch. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus is slightly heavier at 65 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 56 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth would be a suitable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This lighter force allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for situations where extended typing is required, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and stronger typing feel may opt for the Blue Lotus, as it has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force. This heavier force can provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches.
Overall, whether one prefers a lighter or stronger push feel, both the Blue Lotus and Hyacinth switches offer a medium-level actuation and bottom out force. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience, with the key difference lying in the slight variance in force requirements between the two switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, which is more commonly seen. These shorter travel distances are popular among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch with its 3.7 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distances too abrupt, preferring a switch with more depth. In this case, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch's slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm would be a better option. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on one's personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is best known for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy and marked tactile feel. This makes the Blue Lotus switches perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Additionally, these switches feature a detachable light column that provides vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches are described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses.
On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance. This decision was made to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience that's common with switches with longer stems, aiming to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth switches deviate from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, instead opting for a single-stage elongated spring to provide a more consistent force curve. In terms of sound, the Hyacinth switches are described as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes.
To summarize, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a snappy and marked tactile feel, with a slightly reduced travel distance and vibrant RGB illumination. The sound profile is described as bassy, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch focuses on creating an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, with a 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring. The sound profile is described as neutral, suitable for various applications. While the switches have different qualities, they both provide unique and desirable experiences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile experience with a marked tactile feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these medium-heavy switches deliver a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. Their slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm adds to their snappiness and makes them perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a focus on user comfort and a balanced feedback, the KTT Hyacinth linear switches would suit you better. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, these medium-light switches prioritize a comfortable typing experience. The design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance helps to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience and creates an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and comfort. Furthermore, the choice of a single-stage elongated spring offers a more consistent force curve.
In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches are described as "bassy," offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches are described as "neutral," providing a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches are accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They offer a distinct tactile bump and a more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Hyacinth switches are described as silky and subtle, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with gentle resistance, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch depends on your preferences. If you desire a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus is the way to go. However, if you prioritize comfort, a balanced feedback, and a smooth typing experience, the Hyacinth is the better choice. Consider your priorities in terms of tactile feel, sound profile, and typing experience to make an informed decision.
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