KTT Hyacinth vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

The KTT Hyacinth and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and qualities. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to eliminate the common issue of hard bottoming-out experienced with switches with longer stems. This decision reflects the Hyacinth's commitment to finding the ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear introduces innovation to the market with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a clacky bottom-out sound, providing a unique auditory experience. Its type feel is described as silky smooth, but not over-polished. The Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle', while the Semi-Silent Linear is labeled as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that make them appealing to different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Hyacinth and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both have polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches that aim for a precise sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and visual customization.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Hyacinth features a nylon bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its softer composition and higher sound absorption abilities compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound, which some users may prefer for a more muffled typing experience. Thus, both switches will deliver the depth and fullness associated with nylon bottom housings, resulting in a quieter and more muted sound when typing.

Considering the overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials in these switches significantly impacts the sound and feel. As the top and bottom housing materials are different, they each contribute different qualities to the switch. When pressing down on either the Hyacinth or the Semi-Silent Linear, the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing material will play a more significant role in shaping the sound. Therefore, users can expect distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback depending on which aspect of the switch is being engaged.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, making it difficult to determine the exact force required to activate this switch. Moving on to bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams of force to fully depress the key, offering a slightly firmer typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Hyacinth.

Weight plays a significant role in switch preference, as some individuals prefer a lighter feel to type for longer periods, especially during work or gaming sessions. In this case, the Hyacinth with its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces might be a suitable choice for those seeking extended usage without excessive finger fatigue. Alternatively, individuals who desire a stronger and more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. While the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown, its medium bottom out force of 62 grams suggests a slightly heavier touch, potentially appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel during typing.

In summary, the KTT Hyacinth offers a medium-light actuation force and a slightly lighter bottom out force, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an unknown actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force. Depending on the preference for typing feel and duration, users can select either switch to achieve their desired results.

Travel distance

The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times. Gamers in particular prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Hyacinth with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a bit more depth. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear with its 3.7 mm travel distance would be a better option. Overall, while there is a small distinction in travel distance between the two switches, they both provide a shorter travel distance experience, catering to the preferences of those seeking faster keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as subdued. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, it is not completely silent. It also falls under the category of a neutral switch in terms of actuation force requirement and overall sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as silky and subtle. A silky switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Meanwhile, a subtle switch offers a gentle resistance that is not too light but still maintains a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Hyacinth is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. A mild switch provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Snappy switches are super responsive, giving a lively typing experience. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.

In conclusion, the subjective qualities of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch differ 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 Semi-Silent Linear has a subdued sound profile and provides a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. However, it is important to note that the suitability of these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and the specific use case. If you are looking for a moderate sound profile and a smooth typing experience, either switch can provide similar results.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you're looking for a medium-light linear switch that prioritizes a comfortable and balanced typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth would be a great choice. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring design, it provides a consistent force curve and minimizes the common hard bottoming-out experience. Its sound is described as neutral, making it suitable for a variety of environments, and its feel is silky smooth, enhancing the overall typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more subdued sound and a silky smooth type feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is worth considering. Its innovative design offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It has a medium bottom out force and its feel is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that most people would find approachable. This switch is also labeled as neutral in terms of sound, making it versatile for different settings.

Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Hyacinth and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prioritize comfort and consistency with a moderate actuation force, the Hyacinth is the way to go. If you lean towards a more subdued sound and a smoother typing feel, the Semi-Silent Linear is a solid choice. Consider your environment and personal typing preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more