KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Silent White both offer unique features to consider. The Hyacinth is a linear switch that stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a comfortable typing experience without the harsh bottoming-out sensation. It also utilizes a single-stage elongated spring for a consistent force curve, breaking away from the dual-stage spring trend. On the other hand, the Silent White remains a bit of a mystery, lacking definitive characteristics to define its performance. The Hyacinth is best suited for those who prefer a neutral, silky, and subtle typing experience, while the Silent White's qualities are yet to be fully revealed. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 Silent White feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for their top housings, they may differ in terms of the sound profile generated.
On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This material choice affects the typing experience on these switches, providing a unique sound and feel for users. The similarities in bottom housing material suggest that users may experience comparable typing experiences when using either switch.
When the top and bottom housings of a switch are made of different materials, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the differences in housing materials allows users to choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and typing feel, whether it be the KTT Hyacinth or the Outemu Silent White.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch are quite similar. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Silent White has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Silent White switch slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth may be more suitable, as it has a slightly lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Silent White switch with its heavier bottom out force. In general, weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance during long typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize fast response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of these switches for quick and precise keystrokes. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Hyacinth being slightly longer than the Silent White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prefer a slightly longer or shorter travel distance for your typing or gaming 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 Silent White 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 offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various use cases, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Silent White switch is not available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Hyacinth switch provides a silky typing experience that is exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall feel of typing and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it offers a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch are not provided.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. With a single-stage elongated spring design, it offers a consistent force curve. While the specifics of the Outemu Silent White switch remain unknown, it is important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing style, and intended use when choosing between mechanical keyboard switches to find the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a design focused on creating an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, then the KTT Hyacinth may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and silky smooth typing experience, the Outemu Silent White linear switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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