KTT Hyacinth vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the KTT Hyacinth and the HC Studio Roselle, both linear switches. The Hyacinth is praised for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, the Roselle is known for its incredibly smooth sensation and subtle sound signature while typing. While the Hyacinth opts for a single-stage elongated spring for a consistent force curve, the Roselle relies on its material blend for smoothness. 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the HC Studio Roselle, it is evident that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Roselle features a POM top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the difference in pitch and resonance between the two switches is notable.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Hyacinth boasts a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller yet rounder sound overall. Similarly, the Roselle features a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both switches leverage the qualities of their bottom housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience, albeit in slightly different ways.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes clear that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Hyacinth and Roselle may have different housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, providing users with the opportunity to choose the switch that best suits their typing style and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
Both the KTT Hyacinth and HC Studio Roselle linear switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Hyacinth is slightly heavier at 56 grams compared to the Roselle's 52 grams, making the Roselle the lighter option in terms of the force needed to press the key all the way down. This means that the Hyacinth may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Roselle, which might be preferred by those who like a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experience and whether a lighter or slightly heavier force is desired.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their faster response times, particularly among gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users. If you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may choose the Roselle switch with its 3.6 mm travel distance, while the Hyacinth switch would provide a slightly quicker response with its 3.5 mm travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their proximity in travel distance, so you can expect comparable results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 best described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The choice between the two would depend on the user's preference for sound characteristics, with the Hyacinth offering a more versatile and neutral option while the Roselle providing a more distinct and bass-heavy auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is known for its silky and subtle typing experience, with an exceptionally smooth feel that minimizes resistance when pressing keys. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch is described as frictionless and mild, offering an effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and gentle characteristics. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, with the Hyacinth focusing on smoothness and subtlety while the Roselle emphasizes a more effortless and approachable typing experience.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the KTT Hyacinth and HC Studio Roselle linear switches, users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and comfort during typing. However, the key differentiators come in the sound profiles, with the Hyacinth offering a neutral and versatile option, and the Roselle providing a distinct bassy sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound characteristics, with both switches delivering a comfortable and satisfying typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a switch with a design focused on avoiding hard bottoming-out experiences while still maintaining a balance between tactile feedback and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve, the Hyacinth is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience along with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the HC Studio Roselle is the switch that meets these criteria. Furthermore, if you enjoy switches with a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, the Roselle would be the ideal pick. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and design characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences.
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