KTT Hyacinth vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it's clear that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, prioritizing user comfort and a balanced tactile feedback experience without the harsh bottoming-out sensation. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro boasts a higher-pitched sound profile and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience that many enthusiasts enjoy. While the Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle', the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Housing materials
Both the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more resonant sound when typing, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Hyacinth and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro are made of nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This difference in material composition between the top and bottom housings showcases how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard.
While the housing materials of the Hyacinth and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may differ between the top and bottom, the qualities each material brings to the switches are still present in both keyboards. Whether it's the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate in the top housing or the deeper sound profile of nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a unique typing experience that combines the best of both materials. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keystroke activation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth has a slightly heavier force of 56 grams compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 55 grams, making the Hyacinth slightly heavier in terms of pressing all the way down. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Hyacinth, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a slightly lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users favoring the lighter actuation force for prolonged typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we find that the Hyacinth has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Hyacinth will provide a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster keystroke inputs. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a bit more depth and tactile feedback with its longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of travel distance, with the shorter distance of the Hyacinth catering to those seeking speed and the longer distance of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke 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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch's sound profile is not provided, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with subtle resistance and a quiet sound profile. In comparison, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers an accented feel with medium tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, a bouncy sensation with spring-like feedback, a snappy and super responsive typing experience, and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Hyacinth linear switch and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Hyacinth provides a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers an accented and bouncy feel with medium tactility and a polished finish. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve different typing experiences with each switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth, consistent typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch with its 3.5mm travel distance and medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Hyacinth and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro comes down to personal preference regarding the typing feel and sound profile that best matches your needs and preferences as a mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
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