TTC Bluish White vs. KTT Hyacinth

Overview

We are pleased to offer two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different typing preferences: the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch. The Bluish Whites are known for providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. They are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches stand out for their design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience often associated with switches with longer stems. The Hyacinth switches prioritize a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort by utilizing a single-stage elongated spring, deviating from the mainstream trend. They are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Bluish White Tactile

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Bluish White and the KTT Hyacinth both share the same housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. This polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Furthermore, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches equipped with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics for both the TTC Bluish White and KTT Hyacinth switches.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Bluish White and the Hyacinth employ nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. Its softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This makes the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch influenced by the nylon bottom housing. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.

While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the TTC Bluish White and KTT Hyacinth switches, the impact on the overall sound profile is divided. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding this distinction can help users differentiate between the sound characteristics of the two switches based on the specific housing materials used.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Hyacinth's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Bluish White is 50 grams, while the Hyacinth has a higher bottom out force of 56 grams.

This means that the Bluish White provides a lighter touch when triggering a keystroke, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience or engage in extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Hyacinth requires slightly more force to actuate, offering a slightly more substantial tactile feedback. This can be preferable for those who want a stronger push feel while typing.

Both switches fall within the range of being lightweight, but the Hyacinth is slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Despite this, the difference between the two switches is relatively small, and users with a preference for a lighter touch will likely find similar results in both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the individual's typing preferences and desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback and require the same amount of force to actuate. Therefore, whether you choose the TTC Bluish White tactile switch or the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance and overall typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Bluish White tactile switch is best known for providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience accompanied by a snappy sound profile. It is described as having a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the feel of the Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch offers a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and producing a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces.

On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch adopts a unique design choice with a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience common with switches featuring longer stems. This design aims to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. The feel of the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Considering the available information, the TTC Bluish White tactile and the KTT Hyacinth linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Bluish White provides a poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile and a low-pitched sound. It offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth focuses on providing a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort with its unique design choice and moderate sound profile. It offers a silky and subtle feel, enabling an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Both switches have a gentle resistance and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces.

While the sound and feel of the switches differ, it's important to note that other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. Therefore, selecting the appropriate combination of components will help ensure the desired typing experience. Overall, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, providing a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts to choose from.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences and needs. If you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish Whites are an excellent choice. They offer a snappy sound profile and a variety of descriptors such as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, indicating a smooth and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prioritize a design that avoids hard bottoming-out and focuses on balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switches with their medium-light bottom out force are a great option. These switches have a unique 3.5mm travel distance, a single-stage elongated spring, and descriptors like silky and subtle, representing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Bluish White Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more