KTT Hyacinth vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the KTT Hyacinth and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences. The Hyacinth is a linear switch known for its 3.5mm travel distance, offering a balance between tactile feedback and user comfort while avoiding a hard bottoming-out experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is a tactile switch with a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, providing a pronounced yet gentle tactility. While the Hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, and subtle, the Purple Sakura is classified as buttery, mild, neutral, and snappy. Depending on your preference for typing feel and sound, you may be drawn to either the Hyacinth or the Purple Sakura; however, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, further enhancing their visual appeal. Despite their similar top housing material, the two switches may vary in terms of design and overall aesthetics.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the KTT Hyacinth features a nylon bottom housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder overall sound. Similarly, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of the material in contributing to the sound and feel of the switch. The difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches.
While both the KTT Hyacinth and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer unique combinations of top and bottom housing materials, the split between the two materials allows for a more balanced typing experience. The bottom housing material is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound upon key release. By utilizing a combination of polycarbonate and nylon, these switches are able to deliver a diverse range of sound profiles and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in the force required for each. The Hyacinth has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Purple Sakura has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Hyacinth provides a smoother and lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keypress. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a bit more resistance, giving typists a more substantial and tactile feedback with each keystroke. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who have specific preferences for their typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Purple Sakura the shorter option compared to the Hyacinth. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Hyacinth offering a slightly longer travel distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Hyacinth. Ultimately, both switches offer options for those who prefer different levels of key travel depth.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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, both the KTT Hyacinth and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as offering a silky and subtle typing experience. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance, as well as a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch is described as offering a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience. This implies that it provides a smooth, fluid keystroke, gentle typing experience, and super responsiveness, respectively.
Overall, both the Hyacinth and Purple Sakura switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Hyacinth focuses on a design choice aimed at achieving an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the Purple Sakura aims for a decadently buttery downstroke and a pronounced yet not overpowering tactility. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 56 grams, opt for the Hyacinth. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Purple Sakura may be more to your liking. The Hyacinth excels in providing a smooth and subtle typing experience with its design choices, while the Purple Sakura offers a snappy and buttery tactile feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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