KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and HMX Jammy mechanical keyboard switches both offer unique features and characteristics for keyboard enthusiasts to consider. The Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balanced experience between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, the Jammy features softer nylon housings and medium-weight switches, offering a more muted yet satisfying typing experience. While the Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Subtle', the Jammy's categorization is not provided. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, it's important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to find the best switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Jammy, one noticeable difference is in the top housing. The Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Jammy uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This leads to a distinction in the sound produced by the two switches, with the Hyacinth offering a more resonant and clear sound, while the Jammy provides a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Hyacinth and the Jammy use nylon as the material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound. This similarity in housing material for the bottom of the switches means that both the Hyacinth and the Jammy share the same qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. This could potentially lead to a similar typing experience for users of both switches, despite the differences in their top housings.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth provides a sharper and clearer sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Jammy offers a deeper and fuller sound. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing means that both switches will deliver a similar deep and full sound profile during typing. Ultimately, the differences in top housing material between the two switches will result in varying sound profiles and experiences for users, highlighting the importance of housing material in keyboard switches.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams, making the Hyacinth more sensitive to touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams to fully press down, while the Jammy needs 63 grams, making the Jammy slightly heavier to press all the way. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, but those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Hyacinth, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Jammy. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in typing experience and the level of force desired.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jammy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth. The Hyacinth's 3.5mm travel distance falls on the shorter side, making it a preferred option for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 3.7mm travel distance of the Jammy offers a bit more depth to the keypress, which some individuals may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch is renowned for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort by avoiding a hard bottoming-out feeling. The use of a single-stage elongated spring sets it apart from the dual-stage springs commonly seen in other switches, resulting in a more consistent force curve. In comparison, the HMX Jammy linear switch features a softer nylon housing with a glittery touch, offering a typing experience that is described as muted and deeply satisfying.
When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth is known for its neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of purposes and users, whether beginners or advanced, and whether used in a home or work setting. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the HMX Jammy switch is currently unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is described as having a subtle resistance, allowing for a light typing feel without a resonant sound signature suitable for shared spaces. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the HMX Jammy switch is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect.
Ultimately, both the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Jammy linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Hyacinth excels in providing a balanced tactile feedback and a consistent force curve, the Jammy stands out for its muted and deeply satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and requirements, users can expect similar results in certain aspects such as sound if they were to choose either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force and design preferences. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a unique design with a 3.5mm travel distance for a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, then the KTT Hyacinth switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying with softer nylon housings, then the HMX Jammy switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to find the switch that best suits your needs.
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