Bsun Hutt vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Hutt and the KTT Lightning offer unique experiences to cater to different preferences. The Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, is characterized by a medium-heavy spring and a pronounced tactile bump, providing an engaging typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning, a linear switch, is known for its speed, making it ideal for situations where milliseconds can make a difference. Typing on the Lightning switch offers a smooth and clacky feel with a high-pitched sound profile. While the Hutt switch is described as 'Snappy,' 'Invigorating,' and 'Sharp,' the Lightning switch is labeled as 'Clacky,' 'Chirpy,' and 'Polished.' Each switch has its own strengths and appeals 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Hutt and the KTT Lightning feature polycarbonate top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the differences between the two switches lie in their nylon bottom housings. The Hutt's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lightning's nylon bottom housing provides similar qualities, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to its polycarbonate top housing.
Despite their similarities in utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, the Bsun Hutt and the KTT Lightning differentiate in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. While the polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of both switches alters the sound by absorbing more sound and creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. These differences in housing materials offer users a varied typing experience, with the Hutt producing a different sound compared to the Lightning due to its specific combination of housing materials. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing contributes to the overall sound and feel of each switch when typing on them.
The impact of the different housing materials in the Bsun Hutt and the KTT Lightning can be felt when typing on the switches. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when letting go of a key. This means that the sound profile and typing experience of each switch will be a combination of the qualities brought by both the top and bottom housing materials. As a result, while both switches may share similarities in their top housing material, the differing bottom housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Hutt has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, while the Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are on the lighter side, making them ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, both switches may not provide the desired level of resistance. In this case, it is best to explore other switch options that offer heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the Bsun Hutt and KTT Lightning switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them both suitable choices for users seeking a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3.0 mm. The Hutt has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning switch, making it better suited for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Lightning switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, but the Hutt provides a slightly longer press compared to the Lightning. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a resonant and clean sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience for the user. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound, with a crisp and percussive quality that can be quite distinct. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, users looking for a more resonant and sharp sound may prefer the Hutt, whereas those who enjoy a clacky and bright sound may lean towards the Lightning.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is known for its snappy and invigorating typing sensation, with a sharp tactile bump that offers a high level of feedback intensity. The switch provides a firm actuation force, creating a responsive and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a more subtle and polished feel, with a gentle resistance and smooth key travel that results in a sleek typing experience. Users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback may opt for the Hutt, while those seeking a smoother and lighter typing feel may find the Lightning to be more suitable.
Overall, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Hutt provides a resonant sound profile and a snappy typing experience with a prominent tactile bump, the Lightning offers a clacky sound and a polished feel with a subtle resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches will deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different characteristics in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy spring with a prominent tactile bump and balanced sound profile, the Hutt switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value speed and precision with a slick typing feel and clacky sound profile, the Lightning switch may be more suitable. Keep in mind that the Hutt switch offers a resonant sound profile and a sharp tactile feel, while the Lightning switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a subtle and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall experience.
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