KTT Hyacinth vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch. The Hyacinth stands out for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to provide a more comfortable typing experience by avoiding the common issue of hard bottoming-out. Additionally, the Hyacinth sets itself apart from other switches by using a single-stage elongated spring instead of the popular dual-stage springs, promising a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its balanced yet pronounced tactility, offering users a satisfying typing experience. Furthermore, it has a distinctive jelly-like sound signature that adds to the overall enjoyment of typing. However, let's dive further into the specifics of these switches beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Medium Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound results from both switches when it comes to the top housing.
However, the bottom housing of the Hyacinth is made of nylon, while the Medium Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will offer this sound quality due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switches, the bottom housing plays a more significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the sound and feel upon bottoming out, will be felt when pressing down on the switch. However, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different experience depending on whether they are pressing or releasing the keys, as the bottom housing characteristics dominate the keypress while the top housing characteristics are more prominent during the key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Hyacinth is lighter than the Medium Tactile. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch for users. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Medium Tactile is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare with the Hyacinth. However, the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile is heavier at 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Hyacinth would be a suitable choice. Its actuation force allows for effortless and comfortable typing, making it ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, with a stronger push feel, the Medium Tactile would be the better option. Its higher bottom out force provides a satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
In terms of actuation force, while the specific value for the Medium Tactile is unknown, it can be assumed that it falls within the medium range compared to the Hyacinth's medium-light force. This implies that the actuation forces of both switches may provide similar results in terms of key press activation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Medium Tactile is notably heavier, offering a more pronounced sensation when pressing the keys down completely.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Medium Tactile depends on personal preference. Those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions may opt for the Hyacinth, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Medium Tactile switch has a more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Hyacinth falls on the shorter end with its 3.5 mm travel distance. This shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt, and may prefer the deeper feel of the switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. The switch is suitable for most purposes, making it a versatile choice whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or in a work setting. It's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch does not have a specific description of its sound. Therefore, it's difficult to provide a subjective comparison between the two switches in terms of sound. It's worth considering that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors, so the choice of keyboard board and keycaps may also impact the sound produced by the Durock Medium Tactile switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Hyacinth is described as offering a silky and subtle typing experience. A silky switch refers to one that provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle descriptor suggests that the switch has a gentle resistance, offering a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of the Hyacinth is described as not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has several descriptors to define its feel. It is described as accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. The switch is also described as stepped, which means it offers a two-stage tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Medium Tactile switch is further described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. Lastly, the switch is referred to as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience, potentially due to materials used or factory lubing.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth provides a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile has an unknown sound profile, but offers an accented and stepped tactile feedback, along with a mild typing experience and a polished finish. While the sound quality may vary depending on other factors, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a 3.5mm travel distance to provide a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth would be a great choice for you. It deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, instead opting for a single-stage elongated spring to ensure a more consistent force curve. Additionally, the Hyacinth is described as offering a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is worth considering. It is often described as an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Medium Tactile also offers different characteristics such as a stepped feel, a mild typing experience, and a polished finish for smoother key travel.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smoother typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Hyacinth is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactility and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Medium Tactile would be a better fit. Both switches offer their own unique features and qualities, so it's important to consider your own preferences and needs before making a decision. In the end, the choice between these switches will depend on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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