KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Ocean offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Hyacinth, a linear switch, is renowned for its 3.5mm travel distance aimed at providing a balanced tactile feedback and auditory experience while ensuring user comfort by avoiding a hard bottoming-out sensation. With a single-stage elongated spring, it offers a consistent force curve, appealing to those seeking a 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle' typing experience. On the other hand, the Ocean, a tactile switch, doesn't have any specific standout features mentioned but may appeal to users looking for a more traditional tactile typing feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Ocean feature polycarbonate top housing materials, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The Hyacinth utilizes a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound qualities as the Hyacinth due to the material's ability to dull and round out the sound.
Although both the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Ocean have polycarbonate top housing materials that result in similar sound profiles, their nylon bottom housing materials offer distinct differences in sound experience. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone overall. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be more noticeable, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater effect on the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Ocean are the same, their bottom housing materials contribute unique sound characteristics to the switches. Both switches exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housing, perfect for users looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches adds depth and fullness to the sound, creating a duller and rounder tone that absorbs more sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch offers a distinct typing experience that caters to different sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, the difference in weight is immediately apparent. The Hyacinth is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Ocean is heavier, requiring 55 grams of force to actuate, although the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of the Ocean is slightly higher, providing a more substantial typing feel compared to the Hyacinth. However, both switches offer a smooth keystroke with the Hyacinth being more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Ocean is better suited for those who enjoy a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch. The Ocean offers a more traditional and deeper key press experience compared to the slightly shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth. For gamers looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth may be more desirable. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Ocean switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press 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 Ocean 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 that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as providing a silky typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is noted for its subtle resistance and lack of a resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Ocean tactile switch is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a moderate sound profile and a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, making it a versatile option for various users and settings. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch remain unknown, the Hyacinth's design choices and features suggest that it provides a balanced blend of tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel if the Ocean switch also focuses on providing a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Hyacinth linear switch or the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, design features, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a switch with a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, then the Hyacinth may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a switch with a single-stage elongated spring for a consistent force curve and enjoy a neutral sound profile with a silky and subtle typing feel, then the Hyacinth would be a great option. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a different typing experience than what the Hyacinth offers, the Ocean may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for the characteristics each switch provides.
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