KTT Hyacinth vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Koala stand out as popular options for different reasons. The Hyacinth is a linear switch known for its 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to create a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. In contrast, the Koala is a tactile switch with a pronounced bump that provides a satisfying keystroke experience without being too overwhelming. While the Hyacinth offers a subtle and silky typing experience, the Koala is characterized by its polished, low-pitched, and accented feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows the lighting to shine through. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches suggest that users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual appeal when using either the Hyacinth or the Koala.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Hyacinth and Koala differ in material, with the Hyacinth featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The Koala also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, meaning that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch. The differences in bottom housing material showcase how the unique qualities of nylon can affect the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Hyacinth and Koala respectively allows for a balanced sound experience when typing. While the top housing impacts the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Users can choose between the two switches based on their preference for a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate, or a deeper and fuller sound profile with nylon. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound characteristics and aesthetics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams of force, while the Koala needs 67 grams, making it the heavier of the two. The lighter actuation force of the Hyacinth may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier bottom out force of the Koala provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force when using both switches, but the bottom out force will differ with the Koala offering a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Koala tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Hyacinth offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for that extra edge. On the other hand, the Koala provides a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer different advantages based on personal preference, with the Hyacinth being the shorter option and the Koala being the longer option in terms of travel distance.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 KTT Hyacinth switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound that offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Hyacinth offering a more neutral sound and the Koala providing a deeper, low-pitched tone.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is known for its silky and subtle typing experience, offering smooth key presses with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a tactile typing experience with a refined finish and a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. While the Hyacinth switch focuses on a smooth and subtle typing feel, the Koala switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a moderate resistance.
Taking into account all the available information, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth switch provides a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience, ideal for users looking for a comfortable and consistent feel. In contrast, the Koala switch offers a low-pitched sound and a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel, catering to users who prefer a more tactile and pronounced typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preference for a lighter bottom out force and a smoother typing experience. If you value a medium-light bottom out force and a design choice that prioritizes tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the Hyacinth switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch that offers a pronounced bump without being overly loud, the Koala switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific typing preferences and requirements for sound and feel.
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