KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately see the differences in their design and features. The Hyacinth, a linear switch, is renowned for its 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to provide a smoother typing experience by avoiding the hard bottoming-out sensation often found in longer-stem switches. On the other hand, the Lotus, also a linear switch, lacks distinct features like travel distance or design choices. The Hyacinth stands out for its commitment to balance tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, while the Lotus remains a bit more mysterious in its characteristics. Overall, if you're looking for a switch with a neutral, silky, and subtle feel, the Hyacinth may be the right choice for you. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Lotus both play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The Hyacinth utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the Lotus opts for nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, ideal for those who prefer a more defined sound when typing. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Hyacinth and the Lotus feature nylon as their material of choice. This consistency in housing material results in a similar sound profile when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Nylon's softer nature works to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the typing experience. As a result, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when typing on either the Hyacinth or the Lotus, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the overall sound output of mechanical switches.
It is essential to note that the differences in housing materials between the top and bottom housing of the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Lotus contribute to the distinct sound profiles of these switches. While the top housing of the Hyacinth shapes the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Similarly, the Lotus's bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall sound experience, showcasing how the choice of housing material can influence the typing experience. Overall, the varying qualities of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials highlight the importance of material selection in determining the sound profile and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience, but they differ in weight requirements. The Hyacinth has a slightly heavier actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Lotus's 35 grams, making the Lotus the lighter of the two. When it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams while the Lotus needs 50 grams, indicating that the Hyacinth is the heavier option in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may opt for the Lotus, which is lighter both in actuation and bottom out force. However, if a more substantial push feel is desired, the Hyacinth would be the better choice. Overall, both switches offer different weight preferences for a typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. Both of these switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Hyacinth has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus. This means that the Hyacinth may provide a slightly more pronounced key press feel, while the Lotus may feel slightly more abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Lotus 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 profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level suitable for various environments and user preferences. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is not available, but keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, providing an exceptional level of smoothness that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is noted for its subtle resistance and non-resonant sound signature, making it ideal for shared spaces. Unfortunately, details regarding the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are not provided.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a neutral sound profile, moderate actuation force, and smooth typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth switch would be a solid choice. While information about the Outemu Lotus linear switch is limited, based on the available data, the Hyacinth switch seems to offer a well-rounded combination of tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results in terms of sound and feel, depending on individual preferences and setup configurations.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a design focused on balancing tactile feedback and user comfort, the Hyacinth may be the right choice for you. Its unique 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring provide a consistent force curve and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and prioritize a switch with a neutral sound profile and a subtle typing feel, the Lotus could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best mechanical keyboard experience for you.
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