KTT Hyacinth vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and experiences. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience commonly associated with longer-stem switches. This commitment to user comfort is reflected in its ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and overall comfort. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel for enthusiasts who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. The Blueberry switches also offer a lower-than-average sound frequency, resulting in a deeper but not overpowering sound. While both switches have their merits, it is important to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine which one best suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry differ in terms of their housing materials. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. The POM housing creates a unique and pleasing sound, but the overall tone is on the deeper side.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Hyacinth adopts a nylon bottom housing, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry incorporates a POM bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder overall sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Blueberry contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. Both nylon and POM bring unique sound characteristics to the switches, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When considering the impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that the bottom and top housings play different roles in the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, the characteristics of the bottom housing material will significantly affect the typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. As a result, the qualities of the top housing material will be more noticeable in the sound profile during key release. Regardless of these differences, both switches offer their own unique sound profiles, delivering satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter compared to the Blueberry's 55 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth is 56 grams, while the Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Hyacinth switch. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, users can enjoy typing for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This lighter weight is particularly ideal for individuals using the keyboard for work purposes or engaging in long gaming sessions.
In contrast, the Blueberry switch offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The higher actuation force of 55 grams and heavier bottom out force of 80 grams provide users with a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of durability.
Overall, the Hyacinth switch leans towards the medium-light end, while the Blueberry switch falls into the heavy category regarding actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer different options to cater to the preferences of individuals seeking either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is clear that the Hyacinth has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blueberry offers a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This distinction in travel distance can significantly impact the typing or gaming experience for individuals. The shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial keystroke may prefer the longer travel distance offered by the Blueberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness and 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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
The KTT Hyacinth is known for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which helps avoid the common hard bottoming-out experience. This design decision creates an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The sound of the Hyacinth is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has a very sharp tactile bump, giving it a sharp typing feel. It has a low-pitched sound with a clean and sharp profile.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth is described as silky and subtle. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. It has a buttery and textured feel, creating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. It is also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel.
Considering all the available information, the Hyacinth and NovelKeys Blueberry offer different subjective qualities. The Hyacinth has a more neutral sound profile, while the Blueberry has a low-pitched and resonant sound. In terms of feel, the Hyacinth is silky and subtle, while the Blueberry is snappy, buttery, and textured. It is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the overall experience. If you are looking for a similar sound or feel, depending on your preferences, you can get similar results by choosing switches with similar descriptors, such as neutral or low-pitched, silky or snappy.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a focus on tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, then the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring provide a consistent force curve and avoid the uncomfortable hard bottoming-out experience. The Hyacinth also offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a sharp tactile bump and a lower-pitched, resonant sound profile, then the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be a better option for you. The Blueberry switch provides a snappy and responsive typing experience, with a buttery and textured feel. Its sharp tactile bump and low-pitched, resonant sound give an invigorating and immersive auditory experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Hyacinth and the Blueberry switch depends on your personal preferences for actuation force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Consider your typing preferences and requirements to make an informed decision between these two switches. In the end, it's all about finding the perfect switch that enhances your typing experience and brings you the utmost satisfaction.
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