KTT Hyacinth vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Orange each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The KTT Hyacinth, known for its distinct 3.5mm travel distance, is designed to mitigate the harsh bottoming-out sensation often experienced with longer stems. This thoughtful design is complemented by a single-stage elongated spring that provides a more consistent force curve, making it an excellent choice for those who value a smooth and comfortable keyboard experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches, refreshed from the original MX Orange design with enhancements for modern users, showcase a blend of reliability and tradition that appeals to typing purists. While both switches fall under the linear category, the Hyacinth is celebrated for its subtle, silky feel, while the MX Orange is revered for its classic performance and availability. These differing traits make each switch appealing for distinct reasons, whether you prioritize innovative design or legacy performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Orange, notable distinctions emerge, particularly in the top housing. The KTT Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a crisper and more resonant sound profile owing to the material's rigidity. This characteristic allows the Hyacinth to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound that can enhance the sound experience, especially in setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate amplifies the visual effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherently softer and more absorptive nature of nylon results in a more muted sound, giving typists a rounder audio experience that is distinctly different from the Hyacinth's sharper tones.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, highlighting a similarity in this aspect. Whether it's in the KTT Hyacinth or the Cherry MX Orange, the nylon material supports a deeper sound quality, absorbing excess noise for a less pronounced bottom-out sound. This shared characteristic suggests that users will experience a similar weighty and rich acoustic feel while typing, as the bottom housing material plays a pivotal role in both the sound and tactile feedback when a key is pressed down. Consequently, when comparing the two models, the similarity in bottom housing materials leads to a partially unified sound experience, giving them a common foundation despite the differences in their respective top housings.
Overall, the diverging materials in the top housings account for the contrasting sound profiles of the KTT Hyacinth and the Cherry MX Orange. While the polycarbonate of the Hyacinth delivers a clearer and sharper auditory feedback, the nylon of the MX Orange encourages a smoother and fuller sound experience. However, both switches complement each other well with nylon bottom housings, ensuring that the overall typing experience contains elements of both depth and clarity; the impact of the bottom housing on sound and feel will be predominant. For enthusiasts seeking specific auditory experiences, understanding these differences and similarities is crucial to selecting the appropriate switch for their desired keyboard setup.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation forces, which significantly affects their typing feel. The Hyacinth has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer effortless keystrokes ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. As for the bottom out forces, the Hyacinth boasts a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the information about the bottom out force for the MX Orange is currently unavailable. Consequently, the Hyacinth is the lighter option overall, offering a medium-light typing experience, whereas the Cherry MX Orange presents a heavier feel, appealing to users who favor a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the differences are clear. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Cherry MX Orange features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. This slight difference in travel distance means that the KTT Hyacinth switch may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who prefer quicker actuation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying to press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a faster response or a fuller typing experience.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The sound profile of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is characterized as neutral, offering a balanced auditory experience that is neither overly pronounced nor too muted. This makes it versatile for various environments, accommodating both casual and professional use with its moderate actuation force and sound level. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Orange switch remain unspecified. However, it’s essential to recognize that the auditory experience of any switch will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycap material, creating a unique soundscape for each user's setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Hyacinth is celebrated for its silky smoothness, ensuring a fluid typing experience with minimal resistance during keystrokes. This quality helps enhance overall typing comfort while providing a subtle resistance that is light enough for extended use without fatigue. The Hyacinth's thoughtful design choices also aim to reduce any hard bottoming-out sensation, making it particularly user-friendly for those who type for long periods. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch lacks a clear description of its feel, leaving its tactile experience unknown in comparison to the well-documented characteristics of the Hyacinth.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a reliable, neutral sound profile and an exceptionally smooth, subtle feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and versatility in their typing experience. While the Cherry MX Orange switch's specifications leave certain qualities unspecified, it is likely that if you are seeking similar tactile experiences and sound profiles, considerable attention should be given to the design of your keyboard and keycap choices. For overall satisfaction, understanding these elements will help you achieve an enjoyable and personalized mechanical typing experience, regardless of the switch you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a switch that offers a silky-smooth typing experience with subtle resistance and a neutral sound profile, the KTT Hyacinth is a solid choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 56 grams and unique 3.5mm travel distance provide a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for both casual and more serious typing sessions, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, if you are a fan of the classic Cherry MX feel and are looking for a switch that has been recently enhanced for better performance, the Cherry MX Orange might be worth considering. Although we don't have specific details on its bottom-out force, its legacy and design improvements make it appealing for users who value reliability and consistency in their switches. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize a smoother, more subtle typing experience or the iconic performance that Cherry MX switches are known for.
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