TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Hyacinth are two unique mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different types of users. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch known for its subtle and nuanced feedback, allowing typists to immerse themselves in their tasks without being distracted by loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the Hyacinth is a linear switch that stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, providing a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Hyacinth is neutral, silky, and subtle. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Hyacinth, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, it is important to note that while both switches share this common material for their top housing, they may differ in other aspects such as the design and build quality.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Hyacinth opt for nylon. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. While the nylon bottom housing may not have as much of a visual impact as the polycarbonate top housing, it plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch during typing.
Ultimately, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housing of a switch will affect how the switch feels and sounds during use. The qualities of the bottom housing material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will influence the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of each housing material is important in selecting a switch that meets your preferences for both sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro has an unknown value compared to the Hyacinth's 56 grams, which is considered medium-light. This suggests that the Hyacinth switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force than the Gold Brown Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the better choice, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Hyacinth for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. However, both switches are relatively close in travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation despite the slight variation in distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. This sound signature makes it suitable for various environments without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch also offers a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force, making it versatile for different users and settings. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant auditory experience without being too obtrusive, ensuring a satisfying typing sound for users.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is praised for its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped characteristics, offering a refined and smooth typing experience with a gentle resistance and minimal sound resonance, ideal for shared spaces. Similarly, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch provides a silky and subtle typing feel, focusing on smooth key travel and minimal resistance to enhance the overall typing experience. Both switches prioritize comfort and user-friendliness, showcasing a commitment to delivering a pleasant tactile sensation while typing.
Ultimately, when comparing the subjective qualities of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, both switches aim to provide a pleasant and immersive typing experience. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle tactile bump with a thocky sound profile, the Hyacinth focuses on a 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring design for a consistent force curve. Whether you prefer a tactile switch with a subdued sound profile like the Gold Brown Pro or a linear switch with a focus on smooth key travel and minimal resistance like the Hyacinth, both switches cater to different preferences while ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and auditory experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and consistent typing feel with a medium-light bottom out force, the Hyacinth could be the ideal choice. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described for each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that resonates most with your typing experience.
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