KTT Hyacinth vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

The KTT Hyacinth and the Kailh Sage are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to avoid the common issue of a hard bottoming-out experience found in switches with longer stems. This decision reflects the commitment of the Hyacinth to striking the ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. In contrast, the Sage switches from Kailh provide a distinct clicky typing experience. Known for their heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Sage switches offer an invigorating and crunchy typing sensation. While the Hyacinth embodies a more neutral, silky, and subtle feel, the Sage switches exude an energizing, sharp, and crunchy aura. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard needs.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Kailh Sage Clicky

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Hyacinth and the Kailh Sage both have polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Hyacinth and the Sage will offer similar sound characteristics and visual appeal when it comes to their top housings.

However, their differences emerge with regards to their bottom housings. The Hyacinth utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound as compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Sage also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, meaning that both switches share the qualities nylon brings to the bottom of the switch. Typing on the Sage will therefore elicit the same deeper and fuller sound profile as the Hyacinth, thanks to the common nylon bottom housing.

It is worth noting that the distinct housing materials in a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing has a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the similar nylon bottom housings, the overall experience might differ between the Hyacinth and the Sage due to their contrasting polycarbonate top housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Sage's actuation force is currently unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch.

Considering weight, there are individuals who prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. These users may find the Hyacinth with its medium-light actuation and bottom out force to be a suitable option. On the contrary, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. These users would lean towards switches with heavier forces like the Sage.

It's worth mentioning that if the actuation forces of both switches happen to be the same or unknown, users can still achieve similar results by focusing on the bottom out force. The difference lies in the weight preference. Overall, the Hyacinth is lighter with a medium-light force, while the Sage is heavier with a medium-heavy force.

Travel distance

The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have slightly different travel distances. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While the difference may seem negligible, it can have an impact on the typing experience.

For those who prefer a more responsive keyboard, the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. With a faster response time, it can provide a quicker typing experience, which can be beneficial for gamers or individuals who value speed. On the other hand, the Sage with its slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. The additional 0.1 mm can provide a feeling of more "hearty depth," which may be preferred by some typists.

Regardless of the difference in travel distances, it is important to mention that both switches fall within the range of a typical switch travel distance. The most traditional travel distance is around 4.0 mm, while 3.0 mm is considered the most shallow. Therefore, whether you choose the Hyacinth or the Sage, you can expect a relatively standard typing experience in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch provides a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate level of actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch offers a crunchy sound experience. This is most commonly associated with clicky switches and resembles the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle. The silky feel of this switch refers to its exceptionally smooth typing experience. It enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance which is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Hyacinth switch is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating feel. It has pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation. The Sage switch is also characterized by a sharp tactile bump that provides a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keypress.

In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and Kailh Sage switches offer distinctly different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth switch provides a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience. It aims to strike a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a crunchy sound experience and an invigorating, sharp tactile feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, it's worth mentioning that the sound and feel of switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. So, if you want to achieve similar results between the two switches, it's recommended to consider these additional factors as well.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a design focused on a balance between feedback, sound, and comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the way to go. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring, it offers a consistent force curve and a smooth typing experience. Additionally, the Hyacinth is known for its neutral sound profile and subtle feel, making it suitable for various environments and skill levels.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a heavier bottom out force and a distinct clicky experience, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is the better choice. The Sage switches provide a refreshing sharp clickiness and an invigorating typing sensation. Their medium-heavy weight adds to the overall immersive feel, making your typing experience more satisfying. The Sage's crunchy sound profile and sharp tactile feedback are ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced and intense typing experience.

Ultimately, the decision between the Hyacinth linear switch and the Sage clicky switch boils down to personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, travel distance, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and desires. Remember that both switches offer unique features and benefits, so it's all about finding the one that enhances your typing experience the most. In the end, the choice is yours.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more