KTT Hyacinth vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and Huano Sakura offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The KTT Hyacinth, celebrated for its unique 3.5mm travel distance, provides a consistent force curve thanks to its single-stage elongated spring, which helps minimize the hard bottoming-out experience typical of longer-stemmed switches. This design embodies a careful balance of tactile feedback, auditory enjoyment, and user comfort, making it a great choice for those seeking a neutral, silky, and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura excels with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, catering to those who may engage in extended typing sessions without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. Both switches cater to specific user needs—whether you prioritize comfort and feedback with the Hyacinth or seek a lightweight option with the Sakura. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth and the Huano Sakura, the primary distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Hyacinth employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Sakura features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which excels in durability and smoothness, resulting in a different sound experience characterized as clacky and smooth but not as bright as that produced by polycarbonate. Despite these differences, both materials achieve impressive sound clarity. The Hyacinth benefits from polycarbonate’s translucency, particularly advantageous in RGB lighting scenarios, allowing for vibrant light diffusion. This design detail allows for a visual appeal paired with its acoustic properties, appealing to users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance.
In contrast, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Hyacinth and Sakura utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material is known for its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than many harder plastics, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Users can expect similar auditory characteristics from the tactile feedback of both switches, as the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound experience. The absorption qualities of nylon result in a rounder sound, effectively marrying the acoustic footprints contributed by the top housings with that of the bottom.
While the top materials of the Hyacinth and Sakura yield distinct sonic qualities, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches will exhibit a similar depth and fullness in sound. This interplay between the two different top housing materials and identical bottom housing creates a unique blending of acoustics. When a user presses these switches, the polycarbonate of the Hyacinth enhances the sound upon release, while the POK in the Sakura lends its own clarity. Overall, the combination of varying upper materials with a shared nylon base offers a nuanced listening experience, showcasing that even while differing in certain areas, both switches can deliver satisfying results in auditory performance.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura is lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it in the light category. This means that typists who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may find the Sakura more suitable, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might appreciate the Hyacinth's higher resistance. As for the bottom out forces, the Hyacinth also surpasses the Sakura, making it the heavier switch overall. Thus, if you are looking for a softer touch and a lighter overall feel, the Huano Sakura is the better choice, while the KTT Hyacinth is ideal for those who desire more feedback and a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Hyacinth features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Hyacinth switch, you'll experience a marginally shorter travel distance compared to the Sakura. For those who prioritize responsiveness—particularly gamers—the Hyacinth may provide a quicker actuation. However, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback that comes with a longer travel distance, the Sakura is the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively short travel distances that cater to modern preferences for speed, but the Sakura's 3.6 mm distance gives it a slight edge for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is characterized by its neutral auditory profile, which provides a balanced acoustic experience that is neither overly loud nor too quiet. This moderate sound level makes the Hyacinth suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, ensuring that it is non-intrusive during typing sessions. In contrast, the sound profile of the Huano Sakura linear switch remains unspecified, but it's important to note that sound can also be greatly influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps used, so this aspect might vary across different setups.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is noteworthy for its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally fluid typing experience that minimizes resistance on key presses. Additionally, it features a subtle resistance that delivers a light typing feel without being too insubstantial, making it comfortable for extended use while avoiding any resonance that could disrupt shared workspaces. The tactile feedback of the Sakura switches is not detailed here, so it's unclear how they compare in this regard. However, if you’re looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience, the Hyacinth is geared specifically towards that.
Overall, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch presents a compelling choice for those seeking a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtly resistant feel, promoting comfort during extended typing sessions. The lacking information on the Huano Sakura in terms of sound and feel leaves the door open for exploration, but if you're looking for a specific typing sensation, the Hyacinth clearly articulates its advantages. Whether you prefer the familiarity of neutral acoustics or the potential characteristics of the Sakura switch remains a matter of personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Hyacinth and Huano Sakura linear switches largely depends on your typing habits and preferences. If you prefer a smooth, enjoyable typing experience with minimal resistance, the Hyacinth, featuring its silky feel and subtle resistance, might be your best pick. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 56 grams provides a balance that suits both casual users and those who engage in lengthy typing sessions, making it versatile for home and work environments. Conversely, if you lean towards an ultra-light touch and prioritize comfort during extended typing, the Huano Sakura, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, could be the ideal switch for you. Its feather-light action not only facilitates rapid keystrokes but also offers a comfortable sound profile that is beneficial in shared spaces. Ultimately, consider how these features align with your typing style, as the right switch can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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