KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Hyacinth is a linear switch known for its 3.5mm travel distance, designed to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort without the hard bottoming-out experience. It deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum is also a linear switch that stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound for enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing choices for different users. 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

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Cold Plum, one key difference lies in their top housing material. The Polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Nylon top housing of the Cold Plum produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of Polycarbonate in the Hyacinth leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, whereas the softer Nylon in the Cold Plum absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These contrasting sound profiles showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly affect the overall typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Hyacinth and Cold Plum utilize Nylon for this component. Typing on switches with a Nylon bottom housing provides a similar deep and full sound profile, as the softer nature of Nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing may not have as much impact on the typing sound as the top housing, it still plays a crucial role in contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, having a consistent housing material throughout the switch can create a cohesive typing experience.

Overall, the contrasting qualities of the housing materials in the Hyacinth and Cold Plum demonstrate how different plastics can significantly impact the sound profile and feel of a switch. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound of Polycarbonate in the top housing of the Hyacinth or the deep and full sound of Nylon in the bottom housing of both switches, the choice of housing material plays a key role in shaping the overall typing experience. By understanding the unique characteristics of each material, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their switch selection to achieve the desired sound and feel for their setups.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is clear that the Hyacinth is lighter in both aspects compared to the Cold Plum. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it medium-light. In contrast, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Hyacinth make it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cold Plum's heavier forces provide a more substantial typing feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences, catering to different preferences based on weight and force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Hyacinth has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Cold Plum's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Cold Plum may be the better option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback in your keystrokes, the Hyacinth with its slightly longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Cold Plum switches offer different experiences. The Hyacinth's neutral sound profile provides a moderate typing experience suitable for various settings, while the Cold Plum is known for its thocky sound profile, adding a unique and satisfying auditory element to typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preference for noise levels and typing atmosphere.

Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as providing a silky typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle resistance of the Hyacinth also ensures a light typing feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Cold Plum switch is not available. Despite this, users may expect a smooth keystroke and a satisfying tactile feel based on the switch's fully nylon construction.

In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Cold Plum switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Hyacinth's focus on a balanced tactile feedback and auditory experience, combined with its design choices for user comfort, sets it apart from the Cold Plum switch with its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction. Whether selecting the Hyacinth for its silky typing experience or the Cold Plum for its distinct sound profile, users can expect a high level of quality and satisfaction from either switch option.

Conclusion

Therefore, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, travel distance, and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, the Hyacinth may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and appreciate the thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction for a distinct typing experience, the Cold Plum switch might be more suitable. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, so ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more