KTT Hyacinth vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Hyacinth is a linear switch, while the POM T1 is a tactile switch. The Hyacinth sets itself apart with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The use of a single-stage elongated spring ensures a more consistent force curve, deviating from the mainstream trend of dual-stage elongated springs. In contrast, the POM T1 is renowned for its maximum tactility, providing a sharp and satisfying clean clack when typing. The switch offers a punchy feel for those seeking an invigorating typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) have contrasting housing materials that greatly contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing provides a brighter and more distinctive sound compared to the POM T1 (Sunflower).
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth uses a nylon material, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, contributing to a similarly deep and muted sound profile. Both housing materials offer a pleasing and unique sound, but the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing creates a slightly fuller sound compared to the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM bottom housing.
Overall, while the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) result in distinct sound profiles, they both provide an enjoyable typing experience. The Hyacinth's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a sharper and fuller sound, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a deeper and more muted sound profile with its POM top and bottom housing. If you are looking for switches with unique sound characteristics, either option can deliver satisfying results, depending on your preference for a sharper or deeper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, there are notable differences in their weights. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, which places it in the medium-light range. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth switch would be a suitable choice as its actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch caters to those who seek a stronger push feel while typing, providing a more substantial typing experience. The heavier bottom out force of the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch ensures that each keystroke feels more deliberate and substantial.
Although the actuation force of the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is not available, it is likely to offer a similar result to the Hyacinth if its actuation force falls within a comparable range. However, with its notably heavier bottom out force, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is likely to provide a more pronounced tactile feedback when pressed fully. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a keyboard switch refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparatively, the Hyacinth has a shorter travel distance than the POM T1.
In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, there is a growing preference for shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value quick and responsive keystrokes, the shorter travel distance offered by the Hyacinth may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper keystroke feel. In such cases, the POM T1 with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences 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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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 is described as a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile. This means that it has a balanced sound that is suitable for most situations, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or at work. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a resonant sound profile with a higher-pitched tone. This switch provides an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp clack sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Overall, if you are looking for a neutral sound profile, the Hyacinth will deliver, while if you want a more resonant and immersive sound experience, the POM T1 is the way to go.
Moving on to the feel, the Hyacinth is described as a silky switch. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It offers a silky-smooth feel that enhances the overall comfort and responsiveness of the switch. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. This switch falls into the category of accented switches, which means it provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. Additionally, the POM T1 is described as snappy, indicating its super responsiveness and lively typing experience. It should be noted that the Hyacinth offers a subtle feel with a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Considering the available information, the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) provide distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth offers a neutral sound profile and a silky-smooth typing experience, making it suitable for most users and environments. On the other hand, the POM T1 has a resonant sound profile with a clean and sharp clack, providing an immersive auditory experience. Its sharp tactile feedback, accented tactility, and snappy responsiveness make it a choice for those seeking a more pronounced and lively typing sensation. It's important to note that individual preferences for sound and feel may vary, and other factors such as keyboard and keycaps can also impact the overall experience. If you prefer a neutral sound with smooth feel, the Hyacinth would be a suitable choice, while if you desire a punchy, resonant sound with sharp tactile feedback, the POM T1 (Sunflower) will provide a satisfying option. Depending on your specific preferences, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of satisfaction and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, a unique shorter travel distance, and a consistent force curve, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be a great choice for you. This switch prioritizes a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, if you value maximum tactility and a satisfying clean clack sound while typing, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the way to go. This switch offers a sharp tactile bump and is known for its high feedback intensity. Additionally, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch provides a moderate actuation force and a resonant sound profile for an immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for switch feel and sound, as well as your typing style.
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