KTT Hyacinth vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch, and the TTC Silent Bluish White, a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique features and benefits that suit different preferences and usage scenarios. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a comfortable typing experience without the common issue of hard bottoming-out. It also deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring, delivering a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a medium tactile feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance while typing. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the TTC Silent Bluish White share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings. This material creates a similar effect in both switches, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through. Additionally, aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing is a common feature in switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal from both the Hyacinth and the Silent Bluish White in their top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Hyacinth and the Silent Bluish White differ, with the former using nylon and the latter also utilizing nylon. However, despite the same material, the qualities brought by the nylon bottom housings create distinct effects in each switch. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced is duller and rounder. Users can expect this characteristic from both the Hyacinth and the Silent Bluish White, as their nylon bottom housings contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel.
In conclusion, while both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings and nylon in their bottom housings, there are slight differences in the overall effects. The Hyacinth and the Silent Bluish White will exhibit similar sound profiles and visual appeal due to the polycarbonate top housing. However, the bottom housings, made of nylon in both switches, will provide a different sound experience. The softer and sound-absorbing nature of nylon will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound on both switches. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics in the top housings, while experiencing differentiated sound quality through the bottom housings of the Hyacinth and the Silent Bluish White.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth is 56 grams, while the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams. This means that the Hyacinth is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Silent Bluish White.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Silent Bluish White with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. It is ideal for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Hyacinth. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, adding to the overall typing experience. Such switches are favored by users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile response.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of the Hyacinth and Silent Bluish White differ slightly, both switches fall within the range of medium-light to light. This ensures that users will experience relatively similar results in terms of force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing sensation and the amount of force desired for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on the keys.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 is described as a neutral switch, meaning it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White is described as a muted switch, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This makes them an excellent choice for those who value a more discreet typing experience, especially in office or shared living spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth offers a silky and subtle typing experience. The switch is designed to be exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This provides an overall enhanced smoothness to the typing feel. The Silent Bluish White, on the other hand, is described as providing a buttery and mild typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke that feels effortless and uniform. These switches fall in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable for most users. They also have a stepped characteristic, meaning they provide a gentle bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Hyacinth and TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth provides a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White offers a muted sound and a buttery, mild feel. Both switches aim to create a balanced and comfortable user experience, with the Hyacinth focusing on a consistent force curve and the Silent Bluish White prioritizing a quiet typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and the specific use case, one switch may be more suitable than the other. However, it's important to remember that individual variations may occur due to factors such as keyboard board and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its design choice and consistent force curve provide a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch might be the perfect fit. These switches offer precision and comfort while being as quiet as possible, making them suitable for office or shared living space use. Overall, the Hyacinth is described as having a neutral sound and a silky, subtle feel, while the Silent Bluish White is described as having a muted sound and a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, or polished feel. Consider your preferences in sound and feel, as well as the specific use case, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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