Kailh Box White V2 vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, making it essential to weigh the options carefully. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their crisp tactile feedback and distinct audible click, providing an engaging experience for typists who enjoy auditory and tactile confirmation with every keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth switches offer a smooth linear feel, designed with a unique 3.5mm travel distance that helps mitigate the hard bottom-out sensation often encountered with longer-stem switches. This thoughtful design not only enhances user comfort but also emphasizes a consistent force curve through their single-stage elongated spring. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Box White V2 is perfect for those who seek feedback in their typing rhythm, while the Hyacinth appeals to users who favor a silky, subtle touch without the distraction of a click. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Hyacinth both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, highlighting a shared characteristic that contributes to their auditory profiles. Polycarbonate, known for its relative stiffness, results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience. This is especially noticeable in switches designed for RGB lighting, as the material's translucency allows for vibrant illumination to shine through, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar level of brightness and sound clarity, making both options excellent choices for those who appreciate a well-lit and responsive typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Hyacinth are made from nylon, a medium that brings its own set of auditory characteristics into play. Nylon is known for its softer texture compared to polycarbonate, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This softness allows the material to absorb more vibration and impact, resulting in a rounder and slightly muted sound compared to what is produced by the polycarbonate top housing. As a result, one can expect a unique typing experience when contrasting the two switches, where the nylon bottom provides a warm counterbalance to the sharper tones emanating from the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Box White V2 and the Hyacinth creates a coherent sound profile that leverages their respective strengths. With both switches employing the same polycarbonate top, users will enjoy a shared anatomical clarity and resonance. However, the nylon bottom will distinctly influence the overall typing experience, adding depth and warmth to the sound. This harmonious interaction underscores how the materials selected for each housing affect not only sound quality but also typing feel, allowing enthusiasts to tailor their experience based on the balance of high and low frequencies produced by each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating similar responsiveness when triggering a keystroke. However, the differences arise in their bottom out forces; the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Hyacinth requires a slightly heavier bottom out force of 56 grams. This difference means that while both switches offer a light actuation for quick typing and gaming, the Hyacinth's heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial feel as you press down to the key's end. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter overall experience may gravitate towards the Kailh Box White V2, while users looking for more resistance and feedback at bottoming out might find the KTT Hyacinth more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we find that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer of the two switches. In contrast, the Hyacinth has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm. This difference, while minimal, suggests that users who seek a more profound typing experience with a noticeable depth may prefer the Box White V2 for its additional 0.1 mm of travel. On the other hand, those who favor quicker response times and a more direct feel might lean towards the KTT Hyacinth, despite its marginally shorter distance. Ultimately, both switches will provide relatively similar results, but individual preferences regarding travel distance and switch feel can influence user satisfaction and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 switches is recognized for its distinctiveness, characterized by a crisp, audible click that provides clear auditory feedback with each keypress. This makes it particularly appealing for typists who enjoy a pronounced and engaging typing experience, where the sound acts as a satisfying confirmation of their input. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth switches offer a more neutral sound, with a moderate volume level that suits a variety of environments. The balanced auditory profile allows for versatile use, making them suitable for both home and work settings without being overly intrusive or distracting.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 delivers a tactile experience that is incredibly satisfying due to its pronounced feedback, making each keystroke feel distinctly impactful. This switch is perfect for those who crave an engaging and lively typing sensation. Meanwhile, the KTT Hyacinth switches elevate the typing experience with their silky smoothness and subtle resistance, ensuring that each keypress feels effortless and fluid. The design choice of a shorter travel distance avoids the common jarring sensation of bottoming out, contributing to a comfortable typing experience ideal for extended use.
In conclusion, while both switches cater to different preferences, they each excel within their respective categories. The Kailh Box White V2 is perfect for users who appreciate a vocal and tactile sensation, while the KTT Hyacinth provides a more subdued, smooth experience, ensuring comfort even during long typing sessions. Depending on your typing style and environment, both switches can deliver satisfying results, whether you prefer the audible feedback of a clicky switch or the stealthy elegance of a linear one.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy the audible satisfaction of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box White V2 is likely the better fit for you, especially if you prefer a lighter actuation force of 50 grams that enhances fast typing and gaming. Its pronounced click sound and tactile bump cater to those who appreciate an engaging typing experience, making it ideal for personal use, particularly in a home office or dedicated gaming setup. Conversely, if you are seeking a smoother, more subtle typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth should be your switch of choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams and a neutral sound profile, it offers an incredibly silky feel that minimizes resistance while typing, thus providing comfort during long typing sessions. Additionally, its design avoids the hard bottoming-out sensation, making it suitable for both shared workspaces and personal environments where noise levels are a concern. Ultimately, your decision should align with your priorities: whether you value the clicky, tactile sensation of the Box White V2 or the smooth, quiet operation of the Hyacinth.
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