HMX EVA vs. KTT Hyacinth

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options are the HMX EVA and the KTT Hyacinth, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The HMX EVA captures attention with its vibrant design inspired by the iconic Evangelion Unit-01 and offers a resonant sound signature combined with a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a clackier auditory experience without compromising on smoothness. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth boasts a unique design with a 3.5mm travel distance aimed at minimizing that harsh bottoming-out feeling typical with longer stems. This switch emphasizes user comfort and a consistent force curve, thanks to its single-stage elongated spring design, providing a more subtle auditory experience. While the EVA is perfect for users who enjoy a feathery and bouncy typing sensation, the Hyacinth is tailored for those seeking a balanced blend of tactile feedback and auditory tranquility. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX EVA Linear

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX EVA and the KTT Hyacinth exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which directly influence the auditory and tactile experiences offered by each switch. The EVA incorporates a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon dampens vibrations, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances clarity and resonance due to its stiffer composition. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that can be quite distinct in a typing environment, particularly for users who prioritize auditory feedback from their switches. Consequently, while both switches provide satisfying feedback, the EVA leans towards a softer auditory experience, while the Hyacinth leans towards crisp and clear sound.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting similarity arises. Both the EVA and Hyacinth utilize nylon for their bottom housing, thus sharing the characteristics associated with this material. The softer nature of nylon ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile in terms of bottom-out feel, creating a consistent experience that emphasizes dampened vibrations. This approach allows users to enjoy the appealing benefits of nylon in both switches, where they can expect a similar bottom-out feel while typing. This shared housing material in the bottom portion means that the auditory qualities of the Hyacinth's key actuation retain some softer elements from the nylon housing, despite the top's contrasting polycarbonate material.

To summarize, the HMX EVA and KTT Hyacinth differ significantly in their top housing materials, leading to divergent sound profiles that cater to distinct user preferences. The EVA's nylon top foster a warm and muted sound experience, while the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top promotes sharpness and clarity. However, the similarity in their bottom housings, both employing nylon, allows each switch to produce a similar, muted auditory quality during key presses. This combination ensures that while the typing experiences differ in key release sounds, they converge at the bottom-out phase, creating a nuanced but cohesive overall typing experience for users regardless of their choice between the two switches.

Weight

When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The EVA switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option that may be more suitable for users who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Hyacinth switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Therefore, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Hyacinth for its stronger push feel, while those who favor a lighter touch would find the EVA more comfortable. Ultimately, the EVA switch is the lighter choice, while the Hyacinth offers a heavier alternative, with the differences unlocking various typing dynamics for different preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there is a slight difference in their travel distances that can influence the feel of each switch during use. The EVA features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the EVA the longer option, offering a slightly deeper keypress compared to the more abbreviated travel of the Hyacinth. While both distances are relatively close and fall within the preferences of gamers who favor shorter travel for enhanced responsiveness, the EVA provides a bit more depth which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key response. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference for feel, with the EVA catering to those who like a somewhat fuller depth and the Hyacinth appealing to those who prioritize speed and efficiency with its slightly shorter distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX EVA and KTT Hyacinth linear switches, the EVA is noted for its sharp, clacky sound, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience that can enhance the typing experience for enthusiasts who enjoy a percussive feedback. This resonance can bring an engaging acoustic aspect to typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the sound signature of the Hyacinth is less well-defined; however, it is crafted to be more subtle and appropriate for shared environments. This makes the Hyacinth a suitable choice for those who might find the clackiness of the EVA too jarring in quieter settings.

When it comes to feel, the EVA excels with its feathery and silky characteristics, providing an exceptionally light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue and allows for effortless typing. The bouncy aspect adds a lively element, giving the user a pleasant rebound sensation with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Hyacinth also offers a silky typing experience, ensuring smooth key presses and releases that rivals the EVA’s feel. However, it leans slightly towards a more subtle resistance rather than the feathery touch of the EVA, making it comfortable but less about effortless typing and more about gentle feedback suitable for prolonged use.

Overall, both switches cater to different preferences while maintaining a high level of performance. The EVA's clacky sound and lively feedback create an engaging typing experience, whereas the Hyacinth's subtler approach promotes a quieter and more refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you value an expressive auditory experience or prefer a more subdued sound profile without sacrificing a silky and smooth feel. Both switches, while distinct in their characteristics, can provide an enjoyable typing experience depending on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and a crisp, clacky sound, the HMX EVA with its 48-gram bottom-out force is an excellent option. Its feathery and silky typing experience can help reduce finger fatigue during long sessions, making it particularly suitable for gamers or individuals who spend extensive hours typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more moderate actuation with a subtle sound profile that is suitable for shared environments, the KTT Hyacinth offers a balanced feel with its 56-gram bottom-out force. Its unique design, featuring a shorter travel distance and a single-stage spring, provides a smooth typing experience that avoids the harshness of bottoming out, making it a great choice for office settings or those sensitive to noise. Therefore, consider your specific needs—whether it's a desire for lightweight, clacky typing or a more balanced, subtle experience—and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EVA Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more