KTT Hyacinth vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and KTT Purple Star both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Hyacinth, a linear switch, is designed with a 3.5mm travel distance to provide a comfortable typing experience without the common hard bottoming-out sensation. With a single-stage elongated spring and a focus on consistent force curves, the Hyacinth offers a 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle' typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star, also a linear switch, boasts an all-POM construction for a smooth typing experience paired with a light 45g bottom-out ideal for light typists. With a 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press' categorization, the Purple Star offers ease and comfort during extended typing sessions. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Purple Star offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Hyacinth's clear polycarbonate housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Purple Star's POM housing has a more understated appearance.
However, both switches share similarities in their bottom housings. The Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder effect. Similarly, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that the overall typing experience may offer comparable sound characteristics between the two switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a more significant effect on the sound when the key is released. This division of qualities between the two housings can result in a nuanced typing experience that combines the unique sound profiles of both the top and bottom materials.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch. The Hyacinth requires 45 grams to actuate and 56 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Purple Star has a lighter touch with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the light category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Purple Star, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, the Hyacinth may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with slightly heavier forces. Both switches provide unique typing experiences, with the Hyacinth offering a bit more resistance than the Purple Star.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Hyacinth and KTT Purple Star linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As such, the travel distance for both switches is identical, resulting in a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is being used. Whether typing on a keyboard with the KTT Hyacinth or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, users can expect similar results in terms of 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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which is suitable for various typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched sound that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow typing experience. When comparing the two switches, users can expect a more balanced and versatile sound from the Hyacinth, while the Purple Star may appeal more to those looking for a deeper and more soothing typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as silky and subtle, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a gentle resistance that enhances overall smoothness without being overly pronounced. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. While both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing feel, the Hyacinth focuses on smoothness and subtlety, while the Purple Star emphasizes ease of pressing and gentle resistance.
Considering all available information, the KTT Hyacinth and KTT Purple Star linear switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Users looking for a neutral sound with a silky and subtle typing experience may prefer the Hyacinth, while those seeking a low-pitched sound with a mild and easy-to-press typing feel may gravitate towards the Purple Star. Ultimately, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience tailored to different preferences, ensuring that users will find satisfaction in using either option based on their desired sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force and a more consistent force curve, the Hyacinth may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a lighter bottom-out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Purple Star might be the ideal option. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing feel, the Hyacinth is a great fit. Alternatively, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press typing experience, the Purple Star is worth considering. The decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style, so choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
