KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Purple are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The hyacinth, a linear switch, is renowned for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balanced tactile feedback without the harsh bottoming-out sensation. It utilizes a single-stage elongated spring for a consistent force curve, deviating from the dual-stage springs commonly found in other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu purple, a tactile switch, lacks specific standout features but offers a different typing experience. While the hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, subtle, the Purple's characteristics are yet to be defined. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Purple switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the bottom housings of the Hyacinth and Purple switches differ, with the Hyacinth utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Purple also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both switches provide a unique typing experience with a blend of sharpness and depth in sound.
The choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards. With the Hyacinth and Purple switches, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a more resonant sound when keys are released, creating a distinct typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound when keys are pressed. This combination of materials in the two switches offers users a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In summary, while the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Purple switches share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housings, they differentiate themselves with the choice of nylon for the bottom housing material. This distinction results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon, creating a noticeably different typing experience compared to switches with a different bottom housing material. Overall, the blend of housing materials in both switches contributes to a unique sound profile that combines the sharpness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon, appealing to a variety of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Hyacinth is 56 grams, while the Purple switch's bottom out force is unknown. The Hyacinth offers a medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Purple switch provides a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Despite the minimal difference of 0.5 mm between the two, this variance can be noticeable to users who are particularly sensitive to keypress feel. The shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, especially in gaming scenarios where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Purple switch might be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, as both switches offer slightly different experiences in terms of travel distance.
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 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 profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level suitable for various environments and user preferences. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth linear switch provides a smooth and subtle typing experience. The silky feel of the switch enhances typing smoothness and minimizes resistance, offering a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the switch's gentle resistance and minimal sound make it suitable for shared spaces. Unfortunately, details on the tactile feel of the Outemu Purple switch are not available.
In conclusion, the Hyacinth linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing feel. While the sound profile and tactile feel of the Outemu Purple switch remain unknown, the qualities of the Hyacinth switch make it a versatile option for users looking for a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and comfort. For a similar experience, opting for the Hyacinth switch may provide comparable results in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider your preference for a medium-light bottom out force and a unique design with a 3.5mm travel distance. If you prioritize a consistent force curve and a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, then the Hyacinth switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force and tactile feedback, without specific sound and feel descriptions, the Purple switch may suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
