KTT Hyacinth vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Oreo. The Hyacinth stands out for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. It deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, instead opting for a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a delightful treat for your fingertips with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It strikes the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfort. While these general pointers may help you in your decision-making process, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so that you can make the best choice based on your specific preferences and needs.
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Oreo both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth utilizes a nylon material while the Oreo sticks with polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo accentuates the sharper and crisper sound profile attributed to this material. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures a more clear and resonant bottom-out sound and feel.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in determining the sound characteristics of a switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the Hyacinth and Oreo will provide similar results in terms of the top housing sound profile due to their shared polycarbonate material. However, they may differ in the overall typing experience, with the Hyacinth offering a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon bottom housing, while the Oreo maintains a sharper and crisper sound throughout. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Hyacinth has a slightly heavier force of 56 grams, while the Oreo has a slightly lighter force of 55 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light switches.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows them to type for longer periods without inducing fatigue, making it ideal for tasks like typing at work or engaging in extensive gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience, providing a stronger and more satisfying button press. For those seeking a heavier push feel, it is recommended to choose options with heavier bottom out forces.
In summary, the KTT Hyacinth and Everglide Oreo switches offer similar actuation forces, requiring comparable amounts of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Hyacinth has a slightly heavier bottom out force, while the Oreo has a slightly lighter bottom out force, making it the lighter option between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Oreo has a travel distance of 4 mm. As such, the Oreo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.0 mm is shallower. However, with shorter travel distances gaining popularity, gamers, in particular, prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing down keys may find the longer travel distance of the Oreo more comfortable. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in deciding between the two options.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 KTT Hyacinth switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for most purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch has a chirpy sound profile, which means it has a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. The Oreo switch has a little squeak to it, adding a distinct element to the typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as offering a silky typing experience. This means it provides an exceptionally smooth feel, enhancing the overall smoothness when pressing and releasing keys. The Hyacinth switch has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light, but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of this switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch is described as an accented tactile switch. This means it provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. It is not scratchy and offers a satisfying tactile bump. The Oreo switch is also referred to as a stepped switch, which means it has a mild two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Hyacinth has a neutral sound profile and provides a silky typing experience with a gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Oreo has a chirpy sound profile and offers a medium level of tactility with a satisfying tactile bump and a stepped feel. Both switches strive to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. While they provide different qualities, it is possible to achieve a similar experience with either switch depending on personal preference and other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is a great choice if you prioritize a smooth and subtle typing experience. With its medium-light bottom out force and silky feel, this switch offers exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Hyacinth's design choice of a shorter travel distance also contributes to a comfortable typing experience, avoiding the hard bottoming-out feeling commonly found in switches with longer stems. Additionally, its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you're using it at home or in a work environment.
On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is ideal if you prefer a more accentuated tactile feel. With its medium-light bottom out force and accented feel, these switches provide a satisfying tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo's stepped feel also adds an extra layer of mild tactility, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. Furthermore, its chirpy sound profile sets it apart from other switches, providing a unique and distinctive acoustic experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and subtle typing experience, the Hyacinth is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more accentuated tactile feel and a distinctive sound profile, the Oreo is the way to go. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired feel when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
