KTT Hyacinth vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and KTT Orange offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a shorter travel distance, aiming to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort by preventing the common issue of hard bottoming-out. On the other hand, the Orange switch boasts a bouncy feel, thanks to its 22mm long spring, and a slick, frictionless typing experience facilitated by its polycarbonate milky top housing and long pole POM stem. Additionally, the Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, adding to its appeal. However, diving deeper beyond these generalities is essential to determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and KTT Orange both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting in their switches. Therefore, both the Hyacinth and Orange will provide a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth features a nylon material while the Orange still utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Hyacinth elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. On the other hand, the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharpness, higher pitch, and crisp sound profile associated with polycarbonate. It also complements the top housing by contributing to a more clear and resonant sound. So, while the top housing may be different, both switches still offer unique sound experiences due to their distinct bottom housing materials.
When pressing down on the switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing. This means that the Hyacinth with its nylon bottom housing will provide a different tactile experience compared to the Orange with its polycarbonate bottom housing. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, thus influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, when you let go of a key, the top housing will come into play, affecting the sound produced. Therefore, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials of the Hyacinth and Orange will lead to variations in the feedback and sound when using these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. In terms of actuation force, the Hyacinth requires 45 grams, while the Orange requires 46 grams. Although they have a slight variance, both switches fall into the medium-light category. On the other hand, when considering the bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams, whereas the Orange requires 53 grams. This indicates that the Hyacinth has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Orange.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter weight may find it beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In this case, both switches provide a relatively lighter actuation force, making them suitable for such purposes. However, for individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience with a stronger push feel, switches with heavier forces are preferable. While the actuation forces of both the Hyacinth and Orange switches are quite similar, the Hyacinth takes the lead in terms of bottom out force, providing a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and reliable typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Hyacinth or the Orange, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound and actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using it at home or at work. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to switches with higher pitches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. However, if you're looking for similar results in terms of sound, both the Hyacinth and Orange switches provide enjoyable and satisfying auditory experiences, albeit with different characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a silky typing experience. This means that the switch provides an exceptionally smooth feel that enhances overall typing smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also described as having a subtle resistance, which gives it a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound produced by the Hyacinth switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is known for its bouncy feel. This provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation when typing, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Orange switch is also described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience by minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, with the Hyacinth focusing on smoothness and subtlety, while the Orange emphasizes a bouncy and frictionless feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch each have their own subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth offers a neutral sound profile with a silky and subtle typing experience, promoting smoothness and suitability for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Orange provides a low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and frictionless typing feel, offering a lively and effortless experience. Whether your preference lies in a more neutral and subtle typing experience or a low-pitched and bouncy feel, both switches provide enjoyable results. It's important to consider personal preferences and the specific use case when choosing between these two options, as each brings its own unique qualities to the table.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is a great choice if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a design that prioritizes tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring, the Hyacinth offers a consistent force curve and a neutral sound profile. It is also described as silky and subtle, providing a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a non-resonant sound, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncier and more frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange linear switch is the way to go. With its 22mm long spring, polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, the Orange switch provides a slick and low-pitched sound profile. It is factory-lubed for a refined and fluid key travel, minimizing friction and maximizing smoothness. The Orange switch is described as bouncy and frictionless, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and an extremely smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Hyacinth and KTT Orange switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, design, sound, and feel. Both switches offer unique advantages and cater to different typing preferences. So consider your priorities and select the switch that best aligns with your needs and desired typing experience.
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