Akko Botany vs. KTT Hyacinth

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and KTT Hyacinth offer distinct yet complementary experiences for users seeking linear tactile feedback. The Akko Botany stands out for its lively, crisp sound, delivering an engaging auditory experience right out of the box, which can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth distinguishes itself through its thoughtful design, featuring a shorter 3.5mm travel distance that minimizes the harsh bottoming-out sensation typical in traditional switches. This design decision enhances user comfort and allows for a smoother typing experience, while its single-stage elongated spring promotes a more consistent force curve, appealing to those who prefer a subtle and silky typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback, making them strong contenders for various users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the KTT Hyacinth, we notice a distinct contrast between their top housing compositions. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted acoustic experience. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is significantly stiffer. This rigidity leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, creating a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances sound clarity but also makes it an excellent option for RGB lighting applications. Therefore, while both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, the Botany focuses on warmth and depth, while the Hyacinth capitalizes on brightness and clarity.

Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a fascinating similarity. Both the Akko Botany and the KTT Hyacinth utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared choice means that when it comes to the feel of bottoming out during typing, both switches will exhibit similar characteristics: a soft texture that absorbs sound and promotes a more tactile experience. Regardless of the differences in the top housings, the nylon bottom ensures a consistent, plush feel across both models, facilitating a comforting typing experience that many users appreciate.

In sum, the combination of different top housings and identical bottom housings in the Akko Botany and KTT Hyacinth significantly influences the overall typing feel and sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both switches guarantees that users will encounter a familiar softness and depth when they bottom out, while the contrasting top housing materials guide the overall sound signature of each switch. Thus, while one switch might offer a more muted and rounded sound, the other provides a sharper acoustic experience, both benefitting from the comfort and consistency of their nylon bottoms. This dual dynamic illustrates how variations in materials can lead to diversified sensory experiences within the same product category.

Weight

The Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 45 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more suitable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Botany switch also comes in lighter at 45 grams, whereas the Hyacinth is heavier at 56 grams. This means that while the Botany provides a smoother and less strenuous typing experience, the Hyacinth switch, with its heavier forces, may cater more to typists who prefer a more substantial push feel. Consequently, individuals seeking a lighter touch would gravitate towards the Akko Botany, while those in favor of a firmer resistance might opt for the KTT Hyacinth.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressed, the Botany switch provides a bit more depth in its travel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Hyacinth switch, with its shorter travel distance, might offer a quicker response time, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking speed and efficiency in their key presses. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Botany switch is the longer of the two, offering a deeper experience, whereas the Hyacinth provides a marginally more responsive feel due to its shorter travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switch is noted for its crisp and lively clacky sound, which makes it an engaging choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This emphasis on sound contributes to a spirited typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate the feedback of each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch boasts a more neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a sound level that remains suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly into various environments, from home offices to shared workspaces, where a less intrusive auditory experience may be preferred. Ultimately, the Botany offers a more lively sound, while the Hyacinth provides a balanced and moderate auditory feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Botany switch is generally recognized for its smoothness, promoting a fluid typing experience that many users seek in a linear switch. Meanwhile, the KTT Hyacinth excels with its silky and subtle characteristics. The silky nature of the Hyacinth ensures exceptionally smooth key presses with minimal resistance, making it a delightful choice for long typing sessions. The subtle resistance provides a gentle tactile feedback that avoids the feather-light sensation, creating a satisfying balance that contributes to user comfort. While both switches focus on providing a smooth experience, the Botany leans more toward a straightforward fluidity, whereas the Hyacinth incorporates careful design choices that enhance comfort and usability.

In summary, while the Akko Botany and KTT Hyacinth linear switches each bring unique auditory and tactile qualities to the table, they cater to different preferences in a typing experience. The Botany stands out with its lively sound that energizes the typing experience, while the Hyacinth offers a more neutral sound suited for varied environments. Additionally, the Hyacinth's silky and subtle feel focuses on user comfort and smoothness. Ultimately, these switches provide different yet complementary experiences; choosing between them will primarily depend on whether a user values brightness in sound or a nuanced, comfortable feel during typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment where you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a lively, clacky sound, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice for you, especially if you're seeking an engaging auditory experience while typing. Its lower actuation force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, allowing for quicker keystrokes without much strain. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more balanced typing experience that avoids the jarring sensation of hard bottoming out, the KTT Hyacinth with its medium-light force and a unique 3.5mm travel distance is your go-to option. This switch provides a silky smooth feel that minimizes resistance, making it suitable for both work and casual use, particularly in shared spaces where a subtler sound profile is preferred. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on whether you prioritize sound and actuation force or a smoother and quieter typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more