KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Dustproof Purple offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth, a linear switch, stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance aimed at providing a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple, a clicky switch, lacks specific standout features but is known for its reliability. While the Hyacinth is described as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle', the Dustproof Purple does not fall into any specific category. The Hyacinth may appeal to those seeking a smooth and consistent typing experience, while the Dustproof Purple could be a reliable option for traditional clicky switch enthusiasts. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Dustproof Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them both ideal choices for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for light to shine through. However, the differences may lie in the design and aesthetics of each switch, as the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing may have a different overall look compared to the Dustproof Purple.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Hyacinth and Dustproof Purple utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches would produce a more muted sound compared to switches with stiffer bottom housing materials. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a more comfortable typing experience with a softer bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Dustproof Purple provides a unique sound profile that balances sharpness and depth. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a dynamic typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. While the materials used in both switches are similar, the design and aesthetic differences may cater to different preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Hyacinth requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Hyacinth also comes in lighter at 56 grams, while the Dustproof Purple is heavier at 65 grams. This indicates that the Dustproof Purple switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required for both actuation and bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended periods of use, the Hyacinth may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced click and a heavier typing experience, the Dustproof Purple switch would be the suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this comparison, the Hyacinth has a shorter travel distance than the Dustproof Purple switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Hyacinth due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Dustproof Purple switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances, allowing users to choose according to their preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and users. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as offering a silky and subtle typing experience, providing smooth key presses with a gentle resistance. This ensures a comfortable typing feel while minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Unfortunately, the feel of the Dustproof Purple switch is unspecified, making it challenging to contrast with the Hyacinth switch in this regard.
Considering the available information, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a smooth, subtle typing experience thanks to its design choices. The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch lacks specific information on both sound and feel qualities, making it challenging to directly compare to the Hyacinth switch. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with a moderate sound profile and silky typing feel, the Hyacinth switch would be a reliable choice, while opting for the Dustproof Purple switch may provide a different experience with its unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a design focused on user comfort with a 3.5mm travel distance, then the Hyacinth may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a clicky sound profile, the Dustproof Purple could be more suitable. Consider your typing habits, desired sound and feel, and overall typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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