KTT Hyacinth vs. KTT Mint

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Mint are both excellent options to consider. The Hyacinth stands out with its innovative design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. In contrast, the Mint offers a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a long pole stem, resulting in a poppy thockiness when typing. The Hyacinth uses a single-stage elongated spring for a consistent force curve, while the Mint provides a light and fleeting typing feel. Both switches offer their unique advantages, with the Hyacinth being neutral, silky, and subtle, and the Mint providing a low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$2.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Mint are quite similar, as both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. They share the same benefits of polycarbonate, such as creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, their translucency makes them ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal from both the Hyacinth and the Mint.

However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Hyacinth features a nylon bottom housing, while the Mint also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches that use nylon, like the Hyacinth and the Mint, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the top housing mainly affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch.

In terms of overall performance, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Hyacinth and the Mint strikes a balance between sharpness and depth in sound. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the switches, while the nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience with both switches, as the combination of materials provides a unique blend of sound profiles. Whether one prefers a crisper and sharper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both the Hyacinth and the Mint offer options to cater to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it can be noted that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches, ensuring consistent typing experiences. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Mint has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Hyacinth requires a slightly heavier force to fully press the key compared to the Mint.

Considering weight is an important factor when selecting a switch, it is worth noting that the Hyacinth can be considered slightly heavier in terms of the bottom out force. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, others prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those individuals, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Hyacinth may be more preferable. However, both switches fall into the medium-light category, providing a comfortable typing experience for most users.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch is 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance than the Hyacinth. The Mint's travel distance of 4 mm falls within the more traditional range, while the Hyacinth's 3.5 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer shorter travel distances like the Hyacinth. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Mint with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth offering greater responsiveness and the longer travel distance of the Mint providing a more substantial keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer different sound profiles, so your choice will depend on your personal preference and the other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth is described as offering a silky typing experience. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and minimizing 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 KTT Mint is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is approachable to most users and offers a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Additionally, the Mint switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and KTT Mint switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth offers a neutral sound with a silky and subtle typing experience, while the Mint provides a low-pitched sound and a mild and polished typing experience. Your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps. However, it's important to note that these descriptions are based on the available information and individual experiences may vary.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a design focused on balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the way to go. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring, the Hyacinth offers a smooth and consistent typing experience. It is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and purposes. The Hyacinth also provides a silky feel, minimizing resistance and enhancing typing smoothness. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and fleeting type feel with a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint linear switch is a great choice. With its long pole stem, the Mint offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. It is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Mint is mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Hyacinth and Mint switches depends on your preferences for travel distance, spring design, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more