TTC Gold Silver vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, it becomes apparent that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is best known for its rapid responsiveness, providing a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke, accompanied by a resonant sound signature and smooth journey from press to bottoming out. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to balance tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort without the hard bottoming-out commonly found in longer stem switches. While the Gold Silver exudes speed, sound, and fluidity, the Hyacinth focuses on a consistent force curve and a unique design choice of a single-stage elongated spring. 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
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Hyacinth both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches mean that users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either of them.
However, the differences lie in the bottom housings of the Gold Silver and Hyacinth. The Gold Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Hyacinth's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This distinction in bottom housing materials may impact the overall typing experience and sound quality between the two switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housings of the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Hyacinth highlights how each material contributes unique qualities to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches may share similar top housings, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing can lead to variations in sound and tactile feedback. Users may prefer the crisper and stiffer feel of the Gold Silver with its polycarbonate top housing, or the deeper and fuller sound profile of the Hyacinth with its nylon bottom housing, depending on their personal preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Gold Silver switch does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Hyacinth switch has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is considered medium-light. The weight of a switch is important as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is being used. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, making them equal in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch is renowned for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience that resonates with each keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Gold Silver switch delivers a more bass-heavy and impactful sound compared to the Hyacinth switch, which maintains a more balanced and moderate sound signature. Both switches, however, offer a pleasant sound experience that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is characterized by its polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. Its smooth and refined finish, combined with gentle resistance and a light typing feel, creates a sleek and comfortable typing experience that is suitable for various users. Similarly, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a silky and subtle typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and minimal resistance during key presses. Both switches provide a pleasant tactile feedback and smooth key travel, making them appealing choices for users seeking a comfortable and user-friendly typing experience.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Hyacinth linear switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a pleasant and comfortable typing experience. The Gold Silver switch excels in delivering a deep and resonant sound with a polished and mild typing feel, while the Hyacinth switch focuses on providing a more balanced and neutral sound profile with a silky and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing comfort, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Hyacinth switches, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a thocky, low-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium-light bottom out force, a balanced tactile feedback, and a smoother typing experience with a subtle, silky feel, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, whether you lean towards speed and precision or seek a gentle and comfortable typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your overall typing satisfaction. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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