KTT Hyacinth vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and Cherry MX Black are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique features and characteristics. The Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience often associated with switches with longer stems. This decision was driven by a commitment to finding the perfect balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, Cherry has perfected the MX Black switches by utilizing their new Hyperglide tooling, resulting in a classic textured smoothness while typing. With a familiar deep sound profile, the MX Black switches offer a unique typing experience. While these general pointers provide some insight into the advantages of each switch, let's dive deeper to determine which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Black switches 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 due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the use of clear polycarbonate in the Hyacinth enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both the Hyacinth and the MX Black offer a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is notable in both switches. However, where they differ is in the material used for the top housing. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound when releasing a key, while the MX Black's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound during key release.
In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Black switches impact the sound profile and feel of typing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Black delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar, deep and full sound when typing. Therefore, depending on your preference for sound characteristics and aesthetics, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that there are notable differences. The Hyacinth has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the MX Black's heavier 60 grams. Similarly, the Hyacinth has a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, while the MX Black requires a heavier 80 grams to fully depress the key. These differences in force make the Hyacinth a more suitable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming. On the other hand, the MX Black appeals to those who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. It is important to consider the weight of a switch when selecting a keyboard, as it can greatly impact the overall typing or gaming experience. However, regardless of the switch chosen, both options provide a clear distinction in force required for actuation and bottoming out, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that the MX Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Hyacinth's travel distance of 3.5 mm. The MX Black falls into the more traditional category with its 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Hyacinth is slightly shorter but still within the range of prevalent travel distances nowadays. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, so if responsiveness is a priority, the Hyacinth would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a deeper key press, finding shorter travel distances to feel abrupt. For those who desire a more substantial key press, the MX Black with its longer travel distance would be the better 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the Hyacinth switch offers a neutral profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or in a work setting. On the other hand, the MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth switch offers a silky typing experience. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is described as having a subtle resistance, which maintains a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Hyacinth switch is also described as not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the MX Black switch is textured, which means it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Furthermore, the MX Black switch is stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Hyacinth and MX Black switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth has a neutral sound profile and provides a silky and subtle typing experience, while the MX Black has a low-pitched sound profile and offers a textured and stiff typing feel. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a smoother and lighter feel, the Hyacinth would be a good choice, while the MX Black is more suitable if you prefer a more textured and heavier feel. It's important to consider factors such as your typing style, intended use, and any specific preferences you may have when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be a great choice. Its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance reduces the hard bottoming-out experience and offers a consistent force curve. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy switch with a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is a solid option. Its new Hyperglide tooling enhances the overall typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Hyacinth has a neutral profile suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, or you plan to use it at home or work. The MX Black, on the other hand, offers a low-pitched sound profile with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth provides a silky and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. It offers a subtle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the MX Black has a textured feel with noticeable friction when pressed. It requires a higher amount of force to actuate, providing a stiffer typing feel.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Black ultimately depends on your preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your personal preferences and use cases to make an informed decision.
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