KTT Hyacinth vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Brown 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 and the Cherry MX Brown. The Hyacinth is a linear switch, while the MX Brown is a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique features and advantages that can enhance your typing experience. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which avoids the common hard bottoming-out experience associated with longer stems. This choice aims to strike an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. In contrast, the MX Brown is best known for its subtle characteristics. Offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, these switches provide a more textured, bassy, and low-pitched 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Brown 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, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer a similar translucent housing option for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Hyacinth and the MX Brown employ nylon as the material of choice. Nylon as a housing material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. With both switches utilizing nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar sound experience in terms of depth and richness.
While the top and bottom housings may differ between the two switches, the impact on the overall sound and feel can be observed. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing comes into play when you release a key, influencing the sound generated at that moment. Despite these nuanced differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the bottom housings emphasizing the press and the top housings influencing the release of the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, which means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This ensures that users will get similar results in terms of responsiveness. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it slightly heavier than the MX Brown which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This small difference may result in a slightly different typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Some individuals may find the MX Brown more suitable for longer typing sessions or intense gaming sessions due to its slightly lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the Hyacinth and the MX Brown will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the MX Brown is longer than the Hyacinth. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the MX Brown falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Hyacinth is slightly shorter, making it a popular choice among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth may be a better option for you. However, if you enjoy a more substantial and deeper key press, the longer travel distance offered by the MX Brown may be more suitable. It is important to consider personal preferences and requirements when selecting a switch with the appropriate travel distance.
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 Brown 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 linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate level of sound that is suitable for most situations, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth linear switch is described as silky. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is also described as subtle, meaning that it has a gentle resistance that is not too feather-like but still maintains a light typing feel. Furthermore, the sound signature of the Hyacinth switch will not be resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is described as textured. This means that it has noticeable friction when pressed, which some users might prefer for a subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Hyacinth switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate level of sound suitable for most purposes. It also offers a silky and subtle feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. It also has a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Overall, these switches provide distinct experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a focus on design and comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is a great choice. The Hyacinth's 3.5mm travel distance aims to provide a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, while its single-stage elongated spring ensures a consistent force curve. It offers a neutral sound profile and a silky typing experience, making it suitable for various purposes and shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a subtle typing experience and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is a solid option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a light typing experience with gentle tactility. The MX Brown has a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range, and a low-pitched tone. It provides a textured typing feel, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Brown depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize design, comfort, and a consistent force curve, the Hyacinth is a suitable option. If you prefer a subtle typing experience with subdued audio feedback and a textured feel, the MX Brown is a good fit. Consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make an informed decision.
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