KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Lime

Overview

The KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Lime are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features for users seeking different typing experiences. The Hyacinth is a linear switch that stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to avoid the common issue of hard bottoming-out. This decision ensures an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Additionally, the Hyacinth deviates from the mainstream trend by utilizing a single-stage elongated spring, resulting in a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Lime switch is a tactile switch that offers a lightweight and approachable tactility. These switches are perfect for tactile enthusiasts who desire a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. Furthermore, the Lime switches are unique as they are silenced, making them suitable for users who prefer a muted keyboard sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Outemu Lime Tactile

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Lime differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Lime utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. While both materials are suitable for switches with clear housings, each offers a distinct auditory experience.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Hyacinth and the Lime are both made of nylon, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a subdued and rounded sound. Therefore, in terms of tactile feedback and sound profile during keystrokes, these two switches are likely to provide similar results. The impact of the bottom housing is primarily felt in the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring a consistent typing experience across both switch models.

However, the top housing material plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. With the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth, a distinct and crisp sound is generated upon key release. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Lime offers a softer and less pronounced sound profile. Therefore, if the sound when releasing a key is a significant factor for the user, the choice between the Hyacinth and the Lime will depend on their preference for a sharper or mellower auditory experience.

In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Lime demonstrate contrasting characteristics in terms of sound profiles. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Lime's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller tone. Likewise, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a consistent deep sound during typing. However, the top housing material distinctly affects the sound when releasing a key, providing either a sharp and clear tone with polycarbonate or a softer and milder sound with nylon. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for specific auditory characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that the Lime is the lighter option. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it medium-light. On the other hand, the Lime has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light.

For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Lime switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This can be beneficial for individuals who prefer to type for longer periods of time, such as those bringing their keyboard to work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. However, for those who desire a more substantial feel and prefer a stronger push, the Hyacinth with its slightly heavier forces would be the ideal option.

In terms of similarities, both switches have relatively low actuation and bottom out forces when compared to heavier options. This means that regardless of the specific weight difference, users can expect a relatively light typing experience with both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, we can see that the Hyacinth has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lime has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have gained popularity in recent times, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Lime switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the preferable option. However, for those who enjoy a greater sense of depth and a more substantial feel while typing, the Hyacinth switch with its slightly longer travel distance might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Lime switches can be described as neutral. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Lime switches have an additional descriptor of "muted". This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, thus minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.

Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle. Silky refers to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Subtle means that the switch has a gentle resistance, not feather-light, but still maintaining a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Hyacinth is also described as not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Lime switch has descriptors of mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. Mild indicates a more gentle typing experience, while feathery means that the switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue. The subtle descriptor is similar to the one used for the Hyacinth, indicating a gentle resistance. Lastly, the polished descriptor suggests that the Lime switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all the available information, it can be concluded that both the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Lime switches offer their unique qualities and characteristics. In terms of sound, they are both described as neutral, providing a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth offers a silky and subtle typing experience, while the Lime provides a mild and feathery feel. The sound signature of both switches is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the Lime switch is also described as polished, indicating smooth and refined key travel. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Hyacinth or Lime, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, depending on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, to sum up the comparison between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use.

If you prioritize a switch with a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a moderate sound profile, the Hyacinth is a great choice. Its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance ensures a comfortable typing experience with a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth also offers a silky smooth typing feel and a subtle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force and want a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Lime is the way to go. These switches are unique in their lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and they are also silenced for a quieter typing experience. The Lime provides a mild typing experience with a feathery light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and ensuring comfort during extended typing sessions.

Overall, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and can be used in most situations. However, the Hyacinth offers a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a more subtle typing feel, while the Lime provides a lighter bottom-out force and a feathery typing experience. Consider your preferences and typing needs to make the best choice between these two excellent mechanical keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Lime Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more