KTT Hyacinth vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the KTT Hyacinth and the Bsun Light Sakura present two compelling options, each with its unique strengths. The KTT Hyacinth, known for its innovative 3.5mm travel distance, offers a balanced blend of tactile feedback and user comfort, allowing for an experience that mitigates the hard bottoming-out effect typical of longer-stem switches. Its single-stage elongated spring provides a consistent force curve, making it a great choice for users who appreciate a smooth and subtle keystroke. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura caters to those prioritizing quiet operation and comfort, with its ultra-light design perfect for extended typing sessions. Its silent mechanism is suited for office settings or shared spaces, appealing to individuals who seek a fatigue-reducing experience without causing distractions. Both switches deliver distinct advantages based on individual preferences for feel and auditory feedback. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and Bsun Light Sakura switches both feature polycarbonate in their top housings, which fundamentally shapes their sound profiles into a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. This commonality allows both switches to benefit from the clarity and resonance offered by polycarbonate. Its stiffer structure is conducive to producing a clear sound, particularly advantageous in setups utilizing RGB lighting due to the material’s translucency. As a result, users of either switch can expect a visually stunning experience paired with an audible quality that boasts increased vibrancy and nuance. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches will deliver an impressive sound profile, even as the experience may diverge due to other housing characteristics.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, giving them distinct acoustic signatures. The KTT Hyacinth utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing characteristics. This material choice lends itself to a rounder auditory experience, particularly evident when the switch bottoms out. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura employs polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, further accentuating the already higher-pitched sound profile initiated by the top housing. Although the Hyacinth's nylon bottom absorbs sound and creates a dampened effect, the Light Sakura's polycarbonate bottom amplifies the clarity, resulting in a brighter overall sound.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings of each switch leads to a unique typing experience. The stiffness of the KTT Hyacinth’s polycarbonate top combines with the softer nylon bottom to create a complex mixture of tones, where the more subdued bottom housing compliments the high-pitched clarity of the top. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura’s consistent use of polycarbonate in both housing sections reinforces a cohesive and bright acoustic output, maintaining a sharpness throughout the typing experience. This essential difference highlights how varying bottom housing materials can shape the sound produced by each switch, leading to distinct auditory profiles despite shared top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we can observe 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, categorizing it as medium-light in terms of resistance. In contrast, the Light Sakura offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, if you're seeking a lighter switch to ease long typing periods, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better choice. Alternatively, the KTT Hyacinth, with its heavier forces, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, the differences in force values indicate that users will experience distinct typing sensations, making their choices dependent on personal preference for weight and resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, the distinction is evident. The Hyacinth features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Light Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Hyacinth provides a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the marginally longer travel distance of the Light Sakura may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, potentially offering a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more resistance. Overall, while both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, the Light Sakura is the longer option, making it a better fit for those who favor a more traditional feel.
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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 sound profile of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is characterized as neutral, providing a moderate auditory experience that suits a wide range of environments. This makes it a versatile choice whether you're a beginner or an advanced user and perfect for both home and office settings. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed to be silent, offering a discreet typing experience that is particularly beneficial in shared spaces or during extended work sessions. While both switches aim for a pleasant experience, the Hyacinth strikes a balance between presence and restraint, whereas the Light Sakura prioritizes quietness to minimize disruption.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth stands out with its silky smoothness, which ensures an exceptionally fluid typing experience that enhances key presses while minimizing resistance during both actuation and release. The subtle resistance adds to a light typing feel, making it suitable for longer usage without fatigue. The meticulous design of its single-stage elongated spring contributes to this consistent force curve. Although specific information regarding the feel of the Bsun Light Sakura is not available, it is marketed as ultra-light, suggesting it may offer a gentler response that promotes comfort during prolonged typing, especially with its focus on discretion.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences and needs. The KTT Hyacinth offers a neutral sound profile combined with a smooth and subtly resistant feel, making it well-suited for diverse usage scenarios. Meanwhile, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes silence and a lightweight experience, ideal for users looking for comfort and discretion. While the exact feel of the Light Sakura remains unspecified, it stands to reason that those seeking a gentle typing experience will be pleased with either option, as both aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a slightly heavier keypress that provides a medium-light bottom-out force and a silky-smooth, subtle feel, the Hyacinth is an excellent choice. Its 3.5mm travel distance and consistent force curve make it a standout for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the loud bottom-out noise, making it versatile for both home and office settings. Conversely, if you lean towards a super light touch with minimal resistance and require a switch designed for quiet typing to accommodate shared spaces, the Light Sakura is your go-to option. Its ultra-light weight and discreet operation make it perfect for lengthy typing sessions, ensuring you can type comfortably without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider your typing style and environment to select the switch that best enhances your experience.
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