KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The KTT Hyacinth is a linear switch that sets itself apart with a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort by avoiding a hard bottoming-out experience. It also features a single-stage elongated spring for a consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch with no specific standout feature mentioned. Generally categorized as neutral, silky, subtle, the Hyacinth offers a smooth and subtle typing experience, while the Spring Breeze lacks a clear defining characteristic. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 main difference between the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Spring Breeze lies in their housing materials. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the softer nature of nylon. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique acoustic experiences, making them suitable for different preferences in typing sounds.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Hyacinth and the Spring Breeze utilize nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches share a common trait in their typing experience – a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is consistent across both switches, highlighting the importance of housing materials in overall switch performance.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Spring Breeze differ, they both play crucial roles in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth offers a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze provides a more absorbing and round sound. These differences showcase how housing materials can significantly impact the typing experience, whether through a sharper pitch or a fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-light category. The Hyacinth has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams, while the Spring Breeze needs 55 grams. This makes the Spring Breeze the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be significant enough to drastically alter the typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired weight and feel of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Spring Breeze's 4 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can have a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Spring Breeze 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 sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments and skill levels. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound profile is not provided, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used.
In regard to feel, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a silky typing experience, characterized by exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance during key presses. Additionally, it provides a subtle resistance that enhances the overall typing feel without being too heavy, making it suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, details about the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are not available, so it is unknown how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Overall, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch stands out for its commitment to balancing tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort through design choices such as a 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring. It offers a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users and environments. While information on the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is limited, if its qualities align closely with those of the Hyacinth, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing needs when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it would be best to go with the Hyacinth if you prefer a switch with a 3.5mm travel distance that avoids a hard bottoming-out experience. The Hyacinth also offers a consistent force curve with a medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, the Spring Breeze may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience and moderate sound profile (Hyacinth) or a clicky switch with a lighter bottom out force (Spring Breeze). Consider your preferences for tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort when making your decision.
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