KTT Hyacinth vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Piano are both popular mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different features and benefits. The Hyacinth is known for its commitment to creating an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. With a 3.5mm travel distance, it avoids the hard bottoming-out experience that often comes with longer-stemmed switches. Additionally, it uses a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, providing a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The Piano is often praised for its pleasant typing experience. Both switches offer their unique advantages, and the decision ultimately 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Piano differ in composition and sound profiles. The Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials contribute to an enhanced audio experience, the polycarbonate in the Hyacinth creates a more clear and resonant sound, whereas the POM blend in the Piano provides a deeper and rich sound.
Moving to the bottom housings, the contrast continues between the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing and the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches that utilize it. On the other hand, the POM blend bottom housing in the Piano also produces a uniquely satisfying and deep sound. Although the exact details of this blend are unknown, its composition contributes to an enhanced auditory experience.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel experienced when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in both the Hyacinth and the Piano ensures a well-rounded sound experience, even though they achieve it through different means.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal some similarities and differences. The Hyacinth's actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 56 grams sit in the medium-light range. In contrast, the Piano switch's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force of 63.5 grams places it in the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth switch would be a suitable choice. Its actuation force allows for easy triggering of keystrokes, and the bottom out force provides a moderate resistance. This lighter weight could be beneficial for individuals who spend long periods typing or engage in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Piano switch caters to users who desire a more substantial typing feel. While the specific actuation force is unavailable, the higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams indicates a heavier push. This heavier resistance might provide a sense of stability and solidity during typing, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Despite the unknown actuation force of the Piano switch, comparing the bottom out forces allows us to discern a distinction in weight between the switches. The Hyacinth switch is lighter overall, with a bottom out force of 56 grams, whereas the Piano switch exerts a comparatively heavier force of 63.5 grams. Whether one wishes for a lighter or heavier typing experience, considering the actuation and bottom out forces is crucial in selecting the appropriate switch.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have different travel distances. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Piano has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are currently popular among gamers seeking faster response times. If you value a more responsive typing experience, the Hyacinth's shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Piano's longer travel distance could be more suited to your preferences. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when selecting a switch with the appropriate travel distance for your needs.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it offers a moderate sound during key presses, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or whether you're using the switches at home or work. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as having a bassy sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound, characterized by a lower frequency range similar to bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Hyacinth and Piano switches offer a silky typing experience. This means that they both provide an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Hyacinth switch is also described as having a subtle resistance, which maintains a light typing feel without being too feather-like. Additionally, the sound signature of the Hyacinth switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. The Piano switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Overall, both switches provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and Durock Piano linear switches have different sound profiles, with the Hyacinth being neutral and the Piano being bassy. However, both switches offer a silky and smooth typing experience, with the Hyacinth having a subtle resistance and non-resonant sound, while the Piano offers a frictionless and effortless feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Keep in mind that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch that provides a balanced combination of tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is a great choice. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring, it offers a consistent force curve and avoids the hard bottoming-out experience often found in switches with longer stems. The Hyacinth is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and purposes. Additionally, it provides a silky typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a deep and bassy sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch is worth considering. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend, which results in a pleasant and creamy sound signature. Furthermore, the Piano is described as offering a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This can enhance the overall smoothness of your typing feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Piano will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you prefer a balanced switch with a neutral sound profile and silky feel (Hyacinth) or a switch with a bassy sound profile and frictionless feel (Piano), both options provide high-quality alternatives for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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