KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it's immediately apparent that each offers unique features and benefits to consider. The Hyacinth is praised for its 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort by avoiding a hard bottoming-out sensation. Additionally, its single-stage elongated spring offers a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch lacks any distinct standout features but is known for its tactile feedback. While the Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle', the Brown's categories are undefined. Both switches have their own strengths, making the decision between the two a matter of personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Brown are quite similar, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that want to produce clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is often used in clear housings, making it perfect for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Hyacinth and the Brown will likely produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Hyacinth and the Brown differ, with the Hyacinth featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Brown also has a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a different sound and feel compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. Despite this difference, both the Hyacinth and the Brown will likely provide a unique typing experience due to their nylon bottom housings.
In terms of overall functionality, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the sound and feel of a switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing impacts the sound produced when letting go of a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in the Hyacinth and the Brown will work together to create a balanced typing experience, with each material contributing its own unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switch. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials of the Hyacinth and the Brown provide users with options to choose a switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Brown is the heavier option with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Hyacinth provides a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Brown offers a medium-heavy feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences, with the actuation and bottom out forces playing a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. Those seeking a similar result in terms of force requirements may find that the Hyacinth and Brown switches offer comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the KTT Hyacinth linear switch. The 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch when typing or gaming. Some users may prefer the shorter travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth for quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios, while others may enjoy the deeper feel of the Outemu Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is distinguished by its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aimed at providing a tactile feedback experience without the harsh bottoming-out sensation common in longer stem switches. This switch also stands out for its use of a single-stage elongated spring, ensuring a consistent force curve throughout typing. In terms of sound, the Hyacinth is described as having a neutral profile suitable for various uses, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth is known for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a gentle typing feel. This switch also produces a subtle sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Brown tactile switch is unknown, but it can be inferred that the Hyacinth linear switch may provide a similar cozy typing feel and moderate sound profile given its tactile and linear nature. Overall, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a unique blend of tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, making it a versatile option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Hyacinth linear switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it's important to take into account your bottom out force preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Hyacinth with 56 grams might be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a shorter travel distance and consistent force curve, the Hyacinth could be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and a tactile bump for feedback, the Brown switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, and whether you prioritize a linear or tactile switch. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and needs.
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