TTC Flaming Pink vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two strong contenders that cater to different preferences are the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Hyacinth, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth and responsive feel, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that balances understated auditory feedback with an enjoyable typing experience. This makes them an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike, as they offer a blend of performance and comfort without being overly loud. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth distinguishes itself with its unique design featuring a 3.5mm travel distance, which mitigates the harsh bottoming-out commonly experienced with longer-stemmed switches, ensuring user comfort without sacrificing tactile feedback. Additionally, the Hyacinth uses a single-stage elongated spring, which contributes to a more consistent force curve, appealing to those who prefer a more neutral and silky typing experience. While both switches offer premium qualities suited for various needs, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Hyacinth switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate—a stiffer plastic—results in a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the auditory experience during typing. This material's translucency also plays a significant role in aesthetic appeal, particularly for users keen on showcasing RGB lighting effects. Given that both switches share this key characteristic in their top housing, users can expect a similar illumination and sound quality that emphasizes high-frequency tones, ensuring a consistent sound profile regardless of which switch they choose.
In contrast to their similarities in the top housing, both the Flaming Pink and Hyacinth switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a distinct auditory and tactile experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than its harder counterparts. This absorption leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, which contrasts with the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate tops. As such, while the top housings contribute to the sharper tones experienced upon key release, the nylon bottoms dominate the overall sound during key presses, resulting in a complementary sound profile that balances clarity with depth.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches results in a nuanced auditory experience for users. The Flaming Pink and Hyacinth harness the advantages of their respective materials, creating a harmonious distribution of sound qualities across the switch's operation. The sharper sound from the polycarbonate top complements the rich, deep notes provided by the nylon bottom, illustrating how different housing materials interact to shape the overall performance of a mechanical switch. Even if one may favor one switch over the other, the fundamental characteristics of sound produced remain fundamentally aligned, making either option suitable for those who appreciate both clarity and depth in their typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. With an actuation force of 43 grams, the Flaming Pink switch is lighter compared to the Hyacinth, which requires 45 grams to actuate. This difference in force means that typists and gamers using the Flaming Pink may find themselves less fatigued during extended sessions, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a lighter typing experience. In terms of bottom out forces, the Flaming Pink has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Hyacinth's bottom out force is slightly higher at 56 grams. This further underscores the Flaming Pink's lighter feel overall, whereas the Hyacinth offers a more substantial push, catering to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, while the Hyacinth leans toward the medium-light category, making each switch appealing to different preferences in typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, the Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hyacinth measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This minor difference means that the Flaming Pink offers a touch more depth during key presses, which some users might prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth’s shorter travel distance could cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for swifter key actuation. Ultimately, users who favor a more responsive typing experience might lean towards the Hyacinth, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key travel may appreciate the Flaming Pink's slightly longer distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch features a bright yet not overly loud profile, which contributes to a pleasant auditory experience without being disruptive, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switch is characterized by a neutral sound, offering moderate actuation force requirements and a balanced sound profile that caters well to various environments. It strikes a chord between being gentle enough for shared spaces while also accommodating users across skill levels. Ultimately, both switches present sound profiles that offer a pleasant experience without being overwhelming, but the Flaming Pink may be slightly more vibrant in its delivery.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink is noted for its smooth, responsive typing experience that facilitates quick and precise key presses, enhancing both gaming and casual typing engagement. Contrastingly, the Hyacinth switch is described as offering a silky smooth feel with gentle resistance, enhancing the typing experience while minimizing friction during key presses. This design intends to create a comfortable and satisfying key response, specifically avoiding the hard bottom-out sensation that longer stems can create. While the Flaming Pink delivers a premium experience, the Hyacinth focuses on user comfort and consistency, with both switches ensuring an enjoyable feel, though the Hyacinth slightly emphasizes user comfort through its travel distance and unique spring design.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Hyacinth linear switches offer smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, they carve out different niches within that spectrum. The Flaming Pink provides a responsive and slightly brighter sound, suitable for an engaging experience, while the Hyacinth emphasizes a comfortable and consistent feel with its unique design choices that aid in minimizing bottoming out. Users can expect a premium experience with both switches, but the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences toward sound and tactile feedback during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Hyacinth linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences as a typist or gamer. If you favor a lighter actuation force and appreciate a smooth, responsive feel with a gratifying sound, the Flaming Pink is likely your best choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly suited for those who enjoy rapid key presses, whether you're gaming or typing extensively during the day. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light feel and seek a switch that excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience while minimizing the harshness of bottoming out, the KTT Hyacinth may be more your speed. Its unique design with a 3.5mm travel distance and a consistent force curve enhances user comfort, making it ideal for prolonged use in shared spaces where a neutral sound profile is advantageous. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences; your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, livelier experience or a balance of comfort and subtle feedback.
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