KTT Hyacinth vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream are two popular options worth considering. The Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to provide a more comfortable typing experience by avoiding a hard bottoming-out feeling. Additionally, the Hyacinth deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, instead opting for a single-stage elongated spring to ensure a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a hefty linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, providing a tactile and auditory sensation that is not overly pronounced. Categorized as "neutral," "silky," and "subtle," the Hyacinth offers a balanced approach, while the Cream, categorized as "buttery," "low-pitched," "textured," "resonant," and "invigorating," brings a unique typing experience to the table. 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

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Hyacinth and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream have different housing materials, which result in distinct sound profiles. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Cream has a POM top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Cream produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite their differences, both materials offer the advantage of being translucent, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth employs a nylon material, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Cream utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to its unique and pleasing sound profile, which is also on the deeper side and relatively more muted. In terms of sound, both housing materials bring similar characteristics to the switches, emphasizing a deeper tone and a more rounded sound.

When it comes to how the switch feels, the impact of the housing materials is divided between the bottom and the top. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. As the Hyacinth utilizes a softer nylon bottom housing and the Cream incorporates a POM bottom housing, they both offer a satisfying and cushioned bottom-out experience. Conversely, the top housing, whether it be polycarbonate or POM, affects the sound produced when releasing a key, providing a distinct auditory feedback specific to each switch.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream greatly influence the sound profile and the typing experience of the switches. While the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound, the Cream's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing and the Cream's POM bottom housing elicit a fuller, rounder sound. Both switches offer a satisfying bottom-out experience, with the bottom housing dictating the impact and the top housing providing additional sound characteristics upon key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is clear that there are notable differences between the two. The Hyacinth has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the NovelKeys Cream, which requires 55 grams of force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Hyacinth requires a slightly heavier force of 56 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream has a bottom out force of 70 grams.

These differences in force can have an impact on the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel and value typing for extended periods of time may find the Hyacinth more suitable, as its lower actuation force allows for smoother and more effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as its heavier actuation force provides a stronger push feel.

It is worth noting that while the forces of these switches differ, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, regardless of the differences, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is shorter, measuring at 3.5 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Hyacinth falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, offering a more responsive experience, particularly favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream provides a deeper and more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. It ultimately depends on personal preference whether one prefers the abruptness of a shorter travel distance or the hearty depth of a longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, catering to individual needs and preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you are planning to use these switches at home or work, the Hyacinth offers a balanced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. It features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Typing on the Cream switch provides a clean and sharp sound experience, offering an immersive auditory sensation. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as silky and subtle. A silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel while minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle resistance in the Hyacinth switch provides a light typing feel, and its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Cream switch also has a textured option for those who prefer noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, it offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.

In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth provides a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience. Its balanced tactile feedback and auditory experience make it suitable for various use cases. On the other hand, the Cream switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing feel. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a deeper sound profile and a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience. Keep in mind that these subjective qualities can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you prioritize a well-balanced typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement and a clean sound profile, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be an ideal choice for you. With its unique design of a 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring, the Hyacinth provides a consistent force curve, tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be more suitable. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams offers a satisfying keystroke while typing, and the low-pitched and resonant sound profile creates an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, if you value a smooth and fluid typing experience, the buttery and textured feel of the NovelKeys Cream switch provides a seamless and uniform sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the Hyacinth and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream should be based on your personal preferences for typing force, sound profile, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more