KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Phoenix are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and functionalities. The Hyacinth sets itself apart with its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a more comfortable typing experience while maintaining tactile feedback and a pleasing auditory experience. Moreover, it deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, instead opting for a single-stage elongated spring to ensure a consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Phoenix stands out with its under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most unique clicky switches available today. It offers a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile, giving it a distinct character. While the Hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, and subtle, the Phoenix is described as crunchy and polished. Both switches have their own advantages and specific traits that users may prefer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision and choose the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing of the KTT Hyacinth is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, making it particularly suitable for users who prioritize a clear and resonant sound while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the switch. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Hyacinth switch.
Similarly, the Outemu Phoenix also features a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material choice ensures a clear and resonant typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a more distinctive sound. Additionally, like the Hyacinth, the Phoenix's polycarbonate top housing is compatible with RGB lighting, allowing for visually captivating setups. However, while the Hyacinth utilizes a nylon bottom housing, the Phoenix employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing materials means that the Phoenix may not deliver the same deep and full sound profile as the Hyacinth, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic compared to nylon.
Comparatively, both the Hyacinth and the Phoenix utilize polycarbonate top housings, resulting in similar sound profiles that are sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. This material choice ensures a clear and resonant typing experience, making the switches suitable for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, both switches can be enhanced with RGB lighting due to the translucency of their polycarbonate top housings. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a slightly different typing experience due to its stiffer nature. In terms of typing feel, the bottom housing qualities have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, a clear difference can be observed. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Phoenix's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to determine its exact force. However, its bottom out force is 62 grams, which places it in the medium range.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch like the Hyacinth, as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it suitable for keyboards used at work or during long gaming sessions. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier force. Unfortunately, due to the unavailability of the Phoenix's actuation force, it is challenging to compare the two directly. However, if the actuation force of the Phoenix is similar to the Hyacinth, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, we can see that the Hyacinth has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Phoenix's 3.3 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more prevalent in keyboard switches. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times. In this case, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Hyacinth with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke, the Phoenix's slightly shorter travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired feel when pressing down on the keys.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth provides a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. It is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used both at home and at work. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a crunchy sound profile. This is commonly associated with clicky switches and is reminiscent of the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It offers a unique and satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle. A silky switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It offers a pleasant tactile sensation while typing. Additionally, the subtle resistance of the Hyacinth switch provides a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. It also has a non-resonant sound signature, ensuring that it won't disturb others nearby. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as polished. This indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The use of high-quality materials and potential factory lubing reduces friction and ensures a smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer different subjective qualities. The Hyacinth switch is designed to provide a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle feel. It prioritizes a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism, offering a crunchy sound and a polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. However, if you prefer a switch with a similar sound profile to the Hyacinth, you could explore other neutral switches that offer a moderate sound level. Similarly, for a similar feel to the Phoenix, you can look for other clicky switches that provide a crunchy sound and a polished typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a switch that provides a neutral sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force and 3.5mm travel distance, it strikes a perfect balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The single-stage elongated spring ensures a consistent force curve, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique click mechanism and a crisp and crunchy sound, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is the choice for you. Its medium bottom out force and under-skirt click mechanism provide a crystalline and sparkling typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your preferences for sound and feel, so consider carefully which qualities matter most to you.
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