TTC Brother vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Brother is praised for its lightweight and breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience without feeling burdensome. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and a perfect balance of tactile feedback, it is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out with its 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to avoid the common issue of hard bottoming-out experienced with longer-stem switches. Its choice of a single-stage elongated spring offers a consistent force curve and a more subtle tactile feedback. While the Brother is characterized as 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Stepped', the Hyacinth is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Subtle'. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your preference for clicky feedback or a smoother linear feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Hyacinth, it's clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches ensures a clear and resonant sound profile that enhances the typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the TTC Brother uses nylon while the KTT Hyacinth also opts for nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for their bottom housing. Despite the similar material choice for the bottom housing, the impact of this material on the overall sound and feel of the switches may vary depending on other factors such as spring weight and switch design.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the bottom and top of the switches. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Although both the Brother and Hyacinth switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing, the overall typing experience and sound profile may still differ slightly due to other design elements and construction differences between the two switches. However, the similarities in housing materials suggest that users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal when using either switch.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Brother will require less force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Brother switch is unknown, while the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is considered medium-light. Some users may find the lighter actuation force of the Brother switch preferable for extended typing or gaming sessions, allowing for less fatigue over time. However, others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Hyacinth switch for a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience due to their identical travel distances, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of key press feel. Whether you choose the Brother clicky switch or the Hyacinth linear switch, you can expect a comfortable and familiar typing experience with a travel distance of 3.5 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a distinctive and satisfyingly crunchy sound that resonates with enthusiasts of clicky switches. The auditory experience is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, adding a tactile element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, users can expect a clear and precise auditory feedback from the Brother switch, whereas the Hyacinth switch delivers a more moderate sound profile that is versatile for various settings.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The tactile bump is described as stepped, providing a distinct feedback while maintaining a smooth keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with subtle resistance, creating a gentle and low-impact feel. The use of a single-stage elongated spring in the Hyacinth switch results in a consistent force curve that contributes to a seamless typing experience. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations, with the Brother switch offering a more responsive and easy-to-press feel, while the Hyacinth switch focuses on delivering a smooth and subtle typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a crunchy sound signature and easy-to-press feel of the Brother switch, or a neutral sound profile and silky smooth typing experience of the Hyacinth switch, both switches provide unique characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light, tactile feedback with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, subtle typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Hyacinth switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. Happy typing!
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