KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches each offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The KTT Hyacinth switches are designed with a 3.5mm travel distance, which effectively minimizes the harsh bottoming-out experience common with many switches, creating a more comfortable typing sensation. Additionally, their single-stage elongated spring promotes a consistent force curve, contributing to a smooth and pleasurable keypress that balances tactile feedback and auditory experience, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a neutral and subtle feel. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silent Ocean switches do not have the same distinct design features highlighted, they are known for their quieter operation, which can greatly benefit users seeking a more discreet typing experience, such as those in shared workspaces. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth's refined comfort and the Outemu Silent Ocean's muted presence comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Silent Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar sound profiles characterized by sharpness, clarity, and a resonant quality. Since polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it allows the sound produced when a key is pressed to be crisper and more pronounced. This is particularly advantageous for users who favor RGB lighting in their keyboards, as polycarbonate's translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal by allowing light to pass through more effectively. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a pronounced sound during actuation, contributing to a satisfying typing experience that emphasizes brightness and clarity.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Silent Ocean are made from nylon, a material renowned for its softer properties. This choice significantly affects the overall sound profile during typing, as nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. When engaged, the bottom housing notably influences the bottom-out sound and feel, which emphasizes a more rounded, subdued resonance that complements the sharper tones generated by the polycarbonate tops. The combined effect of these materials provides users with a versatile auditory experience, balancing clarity from the top with warmth from the bottom.

Overall, while the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Silent Ocean share similarities through their use of polycarbonate and nylon, their respective sound profiles are achieved through the interplay between these materials. Users will notice a distinctive sound where the sharper characteristics of the polycarbonate top contrast with the deeper tones produced by the nylon bottom. This combination offers a nuanced typing experience, with the clarity and brightness of the switch’s top material enhancing the overall performance when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing adds a comforting depth during key presses. As a result, both switches promise satisfying auditory feedback rooted in their carefully selected housing materials.

Weight

The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch exhibit notable differences in their bottom out forces while sharing the same actuation force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel that facilitates extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Silent Ocean requires a heavier 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This difference means that while both switches engage with the same initial pressure, the Silent Ocean provides a more substantial push feel when fully depressed, catering to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. For users who prefer a lighter touch with a quick actuation, the KTT Hyacinth would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Ocean would appeal to those who favor a stronger feedback at the end of the keypress.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 4 mm. This suggests that the Silent Ocean, with its longer distance, may offer a more pronounced keypress experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth’s shorter travel distance could provide quicker response times, which may be advantageous for gamers seeking improved performance. Overall, if you're aiming for more responsiveness, the KTT Hyacinth would be the better choice, while the Outemu Silent Ocean would suit those who favor a more considerable depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch presents a neutral auditory profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement that results in a balanced sound output. This makes it versatile and suitable for a variety of contexts, whether you're typing quietly at home or in a collaborative workspace. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the sound characteristics of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch; thus, it remains unknown how its sound compares to that of the Hyacinth.

In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth excels with its silky texture, providing an incredibly smooth typing experience that minimizes any resistance during key presses and releases. Additionally, it offers a subtle resistance, which strikes a balance between comfort and feedback, making it ideal for long typing sessions without the fatigue of a harsh bottoming-out effect. Without specific details on the feel of the Silent Ocean switch, we cannot directly compare it to the comforting qualities offered by the Hyacinth.

In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch stands out with its neutral sound profile and silky, subtle feel that enhances user comfort and typing enjoyment. Unfortunately, without more information about the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, we cannot establish a clear comparison regarding its auditory or tactile qualities. If you choose the Hyacinth, you are assured of a pleasant typing experience, while the characteristics of the Silent Ocean remain a mystery, making it difficult to predict how it might align with the strengths of the Hyacinth.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a medium-light bottom-out force and are looking for a switch that provides a balanced auditory and tactile experience, the KTT Hyacinth is an excellent choice. Its unique 3.5mm travel distance and silky feel make it particularly appealing for users who want to avoid the hard bottoming-out sensation while enjoying a smooth typing experience. This switch is also versatile enough to be used comfortably in both work and home settings, where a neutral sound profile will not disturb others nearby. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer key feel with a medium-heavy 65-gram actuation force, and are perhaps looking for more resistance in your typing, the Outemu Silent Ocean could be the way to go. Though it lacks the standout features of the Hyacinth, it may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feedback during their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the typing experience you seek, as well as where and how you plan to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more