KTT Hyacinth vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

The KTT Hyacinth and Durock Sea Glass are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering its own unique features and benefits. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to provide a balanced experience between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Additionally, it deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock catches the eye with its captivating selection of five pastel colors and offers a distinct typing experience thanks to its proprietary material blend. Despite a 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a surprising weightlessness that defies expectations, making them easy to press. Moreover, the Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Hyacinth and the Durock Sea Glass use different materials for their top housings. The Hyacinth utilizes polycarbonate, while the Sea Glass features a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a sound profile that is pleasant, but not as sharp. It leans towards the brighter side, delivering a unique auditory experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the materials used are also different for these two switches. The Hyacinth incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, while the Sea Glass combines Polymer nylon with UHMWPE in its blend. The nylon bottom housing of the Hyacinth contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a similarly pleasant sound profile, although it is not particularly sharp. The blend creates a unique sound experience that is distinct from the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing.

If we compare the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switch, we find some similarities. Both switches demonstrate that the bottom housing has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent. However, the top housing's influence is more prominent when it comes to the sound produced when a key is released. Although the materials used in the top and bottom housings differ for the Hyacinth and Sea Glass, the fundamental principle of how each housing affects the overall switch experience remains the same.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The actuation force of both switches is the same, with both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that users can expect a similar level of sensitivity and responsiveness when typing on either switch.

However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is a bit higher than the Hyacinth. This means that the Sea Glass provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a slightly stronger push when pressing the keys all the way down.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Hyacinth, as it has a lower bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing feedback may find the Sea Glass more appealing, with its heavier bottom out force.

Overall, while both switches share the same actuation force, their differing bottom out forces provide users with distinct tactile experiences. The Hyacinth offers a medium-light feel, while the Sea Glass falls into the medium range. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see that they have slight differences. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of preferences, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly seen nowadays. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and they prefer a deeper feeling when pressing down on keys. If you prefer a more hearty depth, the Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the tactile experience one desires.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. This makes it a versatile choice, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch's sound profile is unknown, as it is not mentioned in the provided information. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Hyacinth switch offers a silky typing experience. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. It is also described as having a subtle resistance, which means it maintains a light typing feel and does not produce a resonant sound, making it suitable for shared spaces.

In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid travel. The Sea Glass switch is also categorized as mild, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, it has a feathery feel, requiring very little exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue. It is considered easy-to-press, as it requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable.

Based on the provided information, the KTT Hyacinth and Durock Sea Glass switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth has a neutral sound profile and offers a silky and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has an unknown sound profile but provides a frictionless and effortless feel, with mild, feathery, and easy-to-press characteristics mentioned. It is important to consider personal preferences and priorities when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a 3.5mm travel distance, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches prioritize creating a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. With their single-stage elongated spring, they offer a consistent force curve. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a captivating selection of pastel colors and a distinct dry and airy typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the way to go. Despite its medium bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and possess a frictionless nature. They also have a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile and a silky typing experience (Hyacinth) or a frictionless feel and a mild typing experience (Sea Glass), both switches offer great options for a smooth and comfortable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more