KTT Hyacinth vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth, a linear switch, is renowned for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, prioritizing a comfortable typing experience with minimal bottoming-out. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing sensation. While the Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle', the Piano Pro is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their strengths and unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, while the Hyacinth uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, the V3 Piano Pro opts for nylon for its top housing as well. This means that both switches will have a similar sound profile when it comes to the top housing material, providing clear and resonant sound due to the qualities of polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing offers translucency that is especially useful for RGB lighting effects, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing may not have the same visual appeal. However, both switches still provide a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housing creating a deep and full sound. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housing in the Hyacinth allows for a balance in sound quality between the impact of the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro's consistent use of nylon for both housings may result in a more uniform typing experience in terms of sound feedback.
Overall, while the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in their choice of materials for the top housing, both switches ultimately provide a pleasant typing experience with their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The Nylon bottom housing allows for a deep and full sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its ability to absorb sound. Whether it be the crisper sound of the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing or the fuller sound of the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound profiles for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, there is a slight difference in the bottom out force, with the Hyacinth requiring 56 grams while the V3 Piano Pro needs 55 grams. This makes the V3 Piano Pro slightly lighter than the Hyacinth in terms of bottom out force. Both switches fall into the category of medium-light when it comes to their overall force requirements. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro might be the preferred choice, while those looking for a slightly more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Hyacinth. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, they both provide a consistent and standard keypress experience for users. The similarity in their travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Whether choosing the KTT Hyacinth or the Akko V3 Piano Pro, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound when pressed, giving each keystroke a sharp and crisp quality. The Piano Pro switches offer a more lively and percussive auditory experience compared to the more neutral sound of the Hyacinth.
Moving on to the feel, the Hyacinth switch is known for providing a silky and subtle typing experience. These switches offer exceptional smoothness and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, making them a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience. With a spring-like feedback sensation and a buttery smooth feel, the Piano Pro provides a lively and polished typing experience, enhancing the overall typing feel.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth focuses on providing a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort with its neutral sound and silky feel. On the other hand, the Piano Pro prioritizes a snappy sound signature and a bouncy, creamy feel, adding a lively and polished quality to each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a design focused on a smooth typing experience with a consistent force curve, then the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a snappy sound signature and a bouncy, creamy feel that adds a lively quality to each keystroke, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be the perfect fit. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and design when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you are getting the best typing experience suited to your needs.
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