Durock Dolphin vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Hyacinth both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. On one hand, the Durock Dolphins are praised for their silent operation, making them an ideal choice for quieter environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force and a satisfying press, they appeal to those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth stands out with its 3.5mm travel distance, aimed at providing a more comfortable typing experience by reducing bottoming-out. Additionally, the Hyacinth's use of a single-stage elongated spring offers a more consistent force curve. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Hyacinth exhibit similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. Despite the similar properties of their polycarbonate top housings, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials.
In contrast, the differences between the two switches arise in their bottom housing materials. The Dolphin utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Hyacinth also features a nylon bottom housing, showcasing the same characteristics of a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shows a similarity between the two switches in terms of their bottom housing materials, emphasizing the importance of material choice in affecting the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in a switch impacts the sound and feel experienced during typing. The qualities brought by each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound both when pressing down and releasing a key. While both the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Hyacinth share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their nylon bottom housing contribute to unique typing experiences. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their setups.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we can see some key differences. The Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the 56 grams of the Hyacinth. This means that the Dolphin requires a bit more pressure to fully press the key down, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Dolphin's unknown actuation force. This lighter actuation force may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the Dolphin leans towards the heavier side while the Hyacinth is on the lighter side in terms of force required for both actuation and bottom out. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience for individual needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Hyacinth for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Dolphin with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which makes it versatile for various settings. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is praised for its polished typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and offers a sleek feel while typing. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth switch is known for its silky typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth feel with subtle resistance. This results in a comfortable typing experience while minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying tactile experience for users.
Overall, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in providing a quiet and polished typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, offering a smooth and subtle typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound profile and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user needs. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user's typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, your decision should be guided by your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished feel, the Dolphin switch would be a great choice for you, especially in office environments or shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force, a unique 3.5mm travel distance design to avoid hard bottoming out, and a silky smooth typing experience with a more consistent force curve, then the Hyacinth switch would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style, environment, and desired feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
