KTT Hyacinth vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and the Keygeek Keylin offer distinct yet appealing options for avid typists and gamers alike. The Hyacinth is celebrated for its innovative design, featuring a refined 3.5mm travel distance that minimizes the hard bottoming-out sensation all too common with longer-stem switches, thereby promoting a comfortable typing experience enriched by subtle tactile feedback and a gentle auditory profile. This switch also stands out with its single-stage elongated spring, which contributes to a more consistent force curve, catering to those who appreciate a balanced and nuanced keystroke. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin utilizes new molds to provide a luxurious typing experience characterized by smooth actuation and rich acoustics, making it an attractive choice for users seeking an exceptionally fluid typing motion without compromising on sound quality. While both switches excel in delivering a linear experience, each has unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Keygeek Keylin present contrasting approaches to their top housing materials, which inevitably influences their acoustic profiles. The Hyacinth’s use of polycarbonate for its top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound signature. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sound when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the Keylin opts for nylon in its top housing, leading to a significantly different auditory experience. Unlike the Hyacinth's crisp sound, the Keylin's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, given nylon's softer attributes that absorb sound and contribute to a rounder tone. Therefore, when considering the results of key presses, the Hyacinth leans towards a bright punctuation, while the Keylin offers a smoother, more mellow output, showcasing their distinct aesthetic and functional intentions.
In contrast, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Keygeek Keylin utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a shared characteristic sound experience when typing. This is relevant because both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller typing sound, thanks to nylon’s inherent properties, which dampen vibrations and reduce harshness. The consistency of nylon in the bottom housing between the two models ensures that while their top housings vary significantly, the underlying sound profile will still share some commonality due to the absorption characteristics provided by the nylon material. Thus, regardless of the presence of polycarbonate or nylon in the top housing, the bottom housing helps establish a unified base auditory quality.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials ultimately shapes the overall typing experience for both the Hyacinth and the Keylin. The impact of the switch architecture becomes evident when a user presses down on the keys, as the differences in top housing material will influence the “release” sound and tactile feel, while the bottom housing—which is the same in both switches—will dominate the bottom-out sound and feel. Essentially, a user can expect a definitive sound character from each switch based on its top material, while also enjoying the softened warmth provided by the nylon bottom housing in both cases. Thus, both switches offer a unique blend of auditory qualities that cater to different tactile preferences, while also revealing how structured design choices influence user experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch to the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, positioning it as a medium-light switch that offers a balanced feel. In contrast, the Keylin boasts a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for long typing or gaming sessions. While the Hyacinth provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, the Keylin allows for easier keystrokes with less effort. Consequently, those seeking a softer push feel should gravitate towards the Keylin, whereas those who enjoy a firmer feedback should consider the Hyacinth. Overall, these differences cater to various user preferences, whether they prioritize lighter or heavier actuation forces in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, the Hyacinth offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keylin has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the KTT Hyacinth might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers and those who prefer quick key presses will likely appreciate this aspect. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin, with its longer travel distance, may be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key press and a deeper feel, as it allows for a more measured actuation. Therefore, while both switches are effective for different preferences, the KTT Hyacinth is the shorter option, making it ideal for users seeking speed, while the Keylin offers a longer experience that some may find more satisfying.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 evaluating the sound profile of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, it falls within a neutral category. This means it provides a moderate sound experience: not overly loud or soft, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This balanced auditory presence caters well to both beginners and seasoned users. In contrast, the sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch remains unspecified, but it is known for delivering rich acoustics. While the specific characteristics of its sound are unknown, the promise of a premium experience suggests a potentially more engaging auditory feedback that may appeal to those who appreciate noticeable sound nuances.
Regarding the feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch stands out with its silky smoothness, contributing to an exceptionally comfortable typing experience. This smoothness minimizes resistance during both keystrokes and releases, ensuring that users can type fluidly without interruption. The subtle resistance adds a nuanced touch, making it ideal for environments where quiet operation is preferred. Unfortunately, the tactile quality of the Keylin switches is not detailed, which leaves a gap in understanding how they compare in terms of feel. However, given the emphasis on a premium typing experience, they may also offer a level of smoothness and comfort, albeit without specific descriptors.
In conclusion, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch provides a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience with its neutral sound profile and silky, subtle feel, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch's auditory properties remain less defined but hint at a rich sound experience. Both options cater to users with a focus on comfort and quality, but without concrete details on the Keylin's sound and feel, a precise comparison is limited. Nevertheless, users can likely expect a satisfying experience with either switch, especially if they're looking for a smooth typing feel and are adaptable to varying sound profiles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting between the KTT Hyacinth and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a switch that provides a medium-light actuation force and a uniquely designed 3.5mm travel distance, the Hyacinth might be your best bet, especially if you want to avoid that hard bottoming-out feeling. Its silky and subtle feeling can enhance your typing experience, making it comfortable for both work and casual use, particularly in shared spaces due to its neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you are in search of an even lighter switch, offering a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the Keylin is the way to go. This switch's exceptional smoothness and premium acoustic experience make it a great choice for long typing sessions or for those who appreciate richer sounds. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—choose the Hyacinth for a balanced feel and sound, or the Keylin for a lighter touch and an emphasis on premium acoustics.
Mentioned in this article
