KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Lucky, both of which feature linear designs that cater to different preferences. The KTT Hyacinth is characterized by its unique 3.5mm travel distance, which effectively minimizes the frustrating bottoming-out sensation often experienced with longer-stemmed switches. This thoughtful design provides a harmonious balance of tactile feedback and auditory comfort while employing a single-stage elongated spring to ensure a consistent force curve. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches, crafted from softer nylon materials, offer a delightful typing experience that feels both neutral and satisfying, often enhanced by their light weight and subtle glittery finish. While the Hyacinth is tailored for those who prioritize a smooth and controlled feel, the Lucky caters to users who value a lighter touch and a visually appealing aesthetic. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Lucky, a clear distinction emerges in their choice of materials for the top housing. The KTT Hyacinth utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for greater resonance and clarity in sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the HMX Lucky employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches are designed to deliver distinctive sound characteristics, the KTT Hyacinth achieves brightness and clarity, whereas the HMX Lucky embraces a more subdued and rich tone.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Lucky utilize nylon, which serves to equalize some aspects of their sound profiles. As a classic material choice, nylon contributes to a fuller sound experience, providing depth and warmth irrespective of the top housing material. In both switches, the nylon bottom housing’s ability to absorb sound results in a duller impact when the key bottom-outs. Because both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent foundation that enhances the resilience of sound, ensuring that the tactile feedback and auditory experience are rich and pleasant regardless of the top housing's contrasting materials.
In sum, the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Lucky exemplify how different housing materials can shape the auditory profile of mechanical switches. While the top housing of the Hyacinth emphasizes crispness through polycarbonate, the Lucky's nylon top housing produces a fuller, rounded sound. However, the incorporation of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches leads to a shared element that enriches the overall tactile experience. Consequently, users may find that despite the differences in the top housing materials, the unique characteristics of each switch can still be harmonized through the complementary effects of their nylon lower half. Through this thoughtful interplay, both switches manage to deliver unique yet satisfying auditory experiences.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth and HMX Lucky linear switches exhibit differing actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various user preferences. The Hyacinth has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, while the Lucky features a lighter actuation force of only 37 grams, making it easier to press down. When it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth again surpasses the Lucky, with a bottom out force of 56 grams compared to the Lucky's 43 grams. This means that the Hyacinth provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Conversely, the Lucky, being lighter overall, may be preferred by users looking for a more effortless typing or gaming experience, allowing for longer sessions without fatigue. Thus, the Hyacinth switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Lucky switch is lighter, making them suitable for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Hyacinth switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the HMX Lucky switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight distinction means that the Lucky switch offers a deeper feel, which some users may appreciate for its robustness, while the Hyacinth switch caters to those who prefer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, for instance, tend to favor the Hyacinth for its more immediate feedback, while others might choose the Lucky for a more substantial keystroke experience. Thus, if you're looking for speed and responsiveness, the KTT Hyacinth is the recommended choice; however, if you prefer a more pronounced depth, the HMX Lucky would be the superior option.
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 HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Lucky linear switches, the Hyacinth exhibits a neutral tonal quality. This moderation in sound makes it a versatile choice for various settings, whether for home use or in an office environment, appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists. The sound produced by the Lucky switch remains unknown; thus, it's difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, it's essential to note that the acoustic qualities of mechanical switches often depend on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, which can further influence the overall sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth offers a notably silky experience, characterized by an exceptionally smooth actuation and release. This smoothness minimizes resistance, allowing for a fluid typing experience that many users find appealing. Additionally, its subtle resistance strikes a comfortable balance, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without overwhelming force feedback. Unfortunately, details regarding the feel of the HMX Lucky switch are not provided, leaving a gap in comparison. However, the Hyacinth's refined tactile qualities may attract those seeking a sophisticated linear switch experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch emerges as a remarkable choice, combining a neutral sound with an exquisitely silky feel that enhances the typing experience. While the sound profile of the HMX Lucky remains unspecified, its softer housing is indicative of potential comfort and user-friendliness. Ultimately, if you're after a balanced and smooth typing experience, the Hyacinth could be the switch for you; however, familiarity and testing of the Lucky switches might reveal a similarly satisfying outcome, particularly if they lean towards a neutral typing experience as indicated by their construction and design.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Lucky linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a medium-light feel that provides a balanced typing experience with a slight resistance, the KTT Hyacinth is an excellent choice. Its unique design that minimizes the hard bottoming-out sensation, along with its silky and subtle feel, makes it well-suited for extended typing sessions, whether at home or in the workplace. The neutral sound profile enhances its versatility, accommodating a range of environments without being intrusive. On the other hand, if you favor an ultra-light touch with a more relaxed typing experience, the HMX Lucky switch might be the right fit for you. Its lightweight structure delivers a deeply satisfying, soft feel that can enhance ergonomic comfort, especially for those who type for long periods or prefer rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, aligning your choice with your typing style, desired force feedback, and sound sensitivity will help you make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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