TTC Gold Brown vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Hyacinth. The Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced nature, providing a slight yet satisfying tactile bump while also offering a moderate weightiness. Additionally, these switches have a rounded sound profile, which is softer than most switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch sets itself apart with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance. This decision was made to enhance user comfort by avoiding the hard bottoming-out experience common with switches with longer stems. The Hyacinth switch also deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, instead opting for a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. Both switches have their unique advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Hyacinth switches both share the same housing materials - a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound quality, both switches will deliver similar results.
Although the housing materials of the Gold Brown and the Hyacinth are the same, it is worth noting that the distribution of these materials within the switches may impact certain aspects of their performance. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a slightly muted and smoother experience. On the other hand, the top housing, with its stiffer polycarbonate construction, will have a greater influence on the sound when letting go of a key. This distinction in housing materials allows for a more nuanced and varied typing experience, depending on which part of the switch is engaged.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Hyacinth switches present slight differences in the distribution of their polycarbonate and nylon materials. However, both switches share similar sound profiles, with the polycarbonate top housing creating a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The allocation of these materials within each switch affects the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, these subtle variations make the typing experience unique to each switch, providing users with options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium range. In contrast, the Hyacinth has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it slightly lighter and falling into the medium-light range.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Hyacinth switch. The lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more substantial and pronounced typing feel might favor the Gold Brown switch.
With a higher actuation force and bottom out force, the Gold Brown switch provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more robust and tactile typing experience. This can be advantageous for those who crave a satisfying feedback and enjoy the sensation of engaging with each keystroke.
Although the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, both options fall within the medium range, ensuring a comfortable and responsive typing experience for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Gold Brown providing a heavier and more tactile experience, while the Hyacinth offers a lighter and smoother typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for keyboard switches. The Gold Brown's 4.0 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper key press, which some individuals may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which can be advantageous for gamers or individuals who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing/gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Hyacinth switches fall under the category of neutral switches. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Gold Brown has a rounded and softer sound profile, and the Hyacinth aims for a balanced auditory experience, the end result would be similar in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild, buttery, accented, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the switch provides a more gentle typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes, a medium amount of tactility, and a smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys, and has a gentle resistance with a light typing feel. Both switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Hyacinth switches have their own unique subjective qualities, particularly in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown offers a well-balanced sound profile and a mild, buttery, accented, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth aims to provide a balanced auditory experience and a silky and subtle typing feel. While they may have slightly different characteristics, both switches fall within the neutral category and can offer similar results in terms of sound and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced and satisfying typing experience, with a moderate weightiness and a softer sound profile, then the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great choice for you. These switches offer a safe middle-ground zone with a mild feel, buttery keystrokes, accented tactility, and a polished finish for smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that prioritizes tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, then the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the way to go. With its unique design choice of a shorter travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, these switches provide a subtle and silky smooth typing feel. They are also suitable for shared spaces due to their non-resonant sound signature.
Both switches have a neutral sound profile and moderate actuation force requirements, making them versatile options suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and KTT Hyacinth switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Consider the characteristics and qualities of each switch described above to guide your decision. In the end, what matters most is finding a switch that suits your typing style and provides a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
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