KTT Hyacinth vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

The KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Mamba are both popular mechanical keyboard switches that fall under the linear switch category. While they share similarities in their neutral and silky typing experience, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Hyacinth stands out with its unique 3.5mm travel distance, designed to provide a comfortable typing experience without the common issue of bottoming out. It also deviates from the mainstream use of dual-stage elongated springs, opting for a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Mamba switches pay tribute to Kobe Bryant and offer a gliding typing sensation accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. Categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, they deliver a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best choice based on your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Durock Mamba Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Mamba differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. While both materials enhance the sound of the keys being pressed, the Hyacinth's polycarbonate produces a more defined and pronounced sound, whereas the Mamba's blend delivers a softer and less intense sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth features a nylon material that elicits a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side. The POM material contributes to a relatively more muted sound. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute significantly to the overall sound of the switches when pressed down.

While the top and bottom housing materials for each switch differ, they both play an important role in the overall sound and feel. Pressing down on the switch will primarily showcase the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed, while the Mamba's POM bottom housing offers a more muted and pleasing sound. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing takes the spotlight in determining the sound profile. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing, with its stiffness, produces a more distinct and resonant sound upon key release. Similarly, the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing contributes to a brighter sound when keys are let go.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Mamba demonstrate significant differences in sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate and nylon housings offer sharper and deeper sound profiles, respectively, while the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend and POM housings deliver a more pleasant and muted sound. Although their sound and feel characteristics may differ, both switches excel in enhancing the typing experience in their own unique ways.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Hyacinth is 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, making it uncertain how it compares. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is a medium level of force.

Considering weight, the Hyacinth can be considered lighter with its actuation force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Mamba's actuation force is unknown, but since it shares the same bottom out force of 60 grams as the Hyacinth, we can assume that it offers a similar typing experience in terms of force required.

Some individuals may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, and in this case, they should opt for options with heavier forces. However, it is noteworthy that the Hyacinth's bottom out force of 56 grams is slightly lighter than the Mamba's 60 grams.

In summary, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a known actuation force of 45 grams, a bottom out force of 56 grams, and provides a medium-light typing experience. The Durock Mamba linear switch, on the other hand, has an unavailable actuation force but shares a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, individuals may choose either switch based on their desired level of actuation force or bottom out force.

Travel distance

The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced while typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Mamba switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound when pressed. The Hyacinth is known for its commitment to creating an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, while the Mamba provides a rich and creamy auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth offers a silky typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth feel and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also described as having a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a mild typing experience with a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. It is also described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, both the Hyacinth and the Mamba switches offer desirable qualities for mechanical keyboard users. They have similar sound profiles, making them suitable for various purposes and skill levels. The Hyacinth stands out for its unique design choice of a shorter travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, while the Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation. Whether you prefer the silky and subtle feel of the Hyacinth or the mild and polished feel of the Mamba, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used to achieve the desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Mamba linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences.

If you prioritize a comfortable and consistent typing experience, the Hyacinth may be the better choice for you. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring, it aims to provide an ideal balance of tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth's design choice helps avoid the hard bottoming-out experience commonly associated with switches with longer stems. Additionally, it offers a neutral sound profile and a silky typing feel, making it suitable for most intents and purposes.

On the other hand, if you are a fan of Kobe Bryant and appreciative of a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Mamba switches may be more appealing to you. These switches offer a neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments, but also provide a thocky option for a deep and satisfying sound when typing. In terms of feel, the Mamba switches have a mild and approachable typing experience, with a polished finish for a sleek and smooth key travel.

In the end, it is crucial to consider your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience when choosing between the Hyacinth and the Mamba switches. Both switches have their unique features and strengths, and it ultimately boils down to what you value the most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more