KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it becomes apparent that each switch offers unique features to cater to different preferences. the hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, providing a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort without the hard bottoming-out experience common with longer-stem switches. on the other hand, the silent grey switch from Outemu offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. while the Hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, subtle, the Silent Grey switch falls under a different category. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Both the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Silent Grey share polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic nature. This results in a clear and resonant sound that is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic material. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housing.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the impact of these materials can be felt differently during use. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This means that despite having the same materials for the top and bottom housing, the overall typing experience can vary between the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Silent Grey based on how these materials interact with the key presses.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Silent Grey offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences due to their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile with a sharper pitch, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a deeper and fuller typing experience. While both switches share similar qualities in their respective housing materials, the way these materials interact with key presses can lead to differences in sound and feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a difference in bottom out force as well, with the Hyacinth requiring 56 grams for bottoming out and the Silent Grey needing 65 grams. The Hyacinth provides a more medium-light typing experience, suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Silent Grey offers a medium-heavy feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Hyacinth, while others may opt for the heavier forces of the Silent Grey for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer distance. Overall, the travel distance of a switch can greatly impact the typing or gaming experience, so it's important to consider your preferences when selecting a keyboard switch.
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 Silent Grey 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. This makes it a versatile option suitable for various environments and user preferences. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize a silent workspace without sacrificing tactile feedback. Ultimately, while the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it offers a subtle typing feel with gentle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces where loud key presses may be disruptive. Conversely, details about the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch are not provided. However, based on its designation as a tactile switch, it can be inferred that it offers a satisfying tactile bump and smooth keystroke.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth focuses on providing a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort with its design choices, while the Silent Grey prioritizes a quiet and highly tactile typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and environments, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their specific needs. Overall, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, providing a diverse range of experiences despite their differences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a design focused on tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, then the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and are seeking a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, then the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be the way to go. Both switches have their unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Hyacinth and Silent Grey switches will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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