KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch, and the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch. The Hyacinth stands out for its unique 3.5mm travel distance, designed to provide a comfortable typing experience without the harsh bottoming-out sensation often associated with longer stems. With a single-stage elongated spring, it offers a consistent force curve for users seeking a smooth and subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown lacks specific standout features but is known for its tactile feedback. While the Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Subtle', the Crystal Brown's characteristics remain unknown. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. 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
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
Partial box
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 main difference between the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Crystal Brown lies in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Hyacinth utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
While both the Hyacinth and the Crystal Brown share the same polycarbonate top housing, their differences become apparent in their nylon bottom housing. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing enhances the overall sound profile of the switch, creating a more well-rounded typing experience. This demonstrates how the combination of different housing materials can alter the sound and feel of a switch.
In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Crystal Brown play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. The Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a rounder tone. Understanding how each housing material impacts the sound and feel of a switch can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for typing.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth is slightly heavier with 56 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 55 grams. This means that the Hyacinth provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them ideal choices for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for the weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Crystal 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a neutral experience with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. This makes it a versatile option suitable for various uses, whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, using it at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so keep that in mind when considering sound preferences.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth provides a silky typing experience that is exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it offers a subtle resistance that is gentle yet firm enough to provide tactile feedback without being too heavy. This is complemented by a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, so it's uncertain how it compares to the smooth and subtle typing experience offered by the Hyacinth.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch seems to excel in both sound and feel, offering a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remain unknown, if you are seeking a switch with similar characteristics to the Hyacinth, you may achieve comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for travel distance and bottom out force. If you prefer a shorter travel distance and a slightly higher bottom out force, the Hyacinth might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a similar bottom out force but with a different design philosophy, the Crystal Brown could be the one to go for. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to further tailor your decision to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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