KTT Hyacinth vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the TTC Silent Brown are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits for users. The Hyacinth is a linear switch, known for its commitment to an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. It stands out with its 3.5mm travel distance, which avoids the common issue of hard bottoming-out experienced with longer stem switches. Additionally, the Hyacinth deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring, resulting in a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. One of its standout features is the muted sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quiet keyboard. Both switches have their own merits, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the TTC Silent Brown have several similarities, as they both use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting in their switches. Both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, there is a difference in the bottom housings of these switches. The Hyacinth utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the Silent Brown also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housing. Therefore, in terms of their bottom-out sound and feel, both the Hyacinth and the Silent Brown will have similar characteristics.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Although the Hyacinth and the Silent Brown differ in their top and bottom housing materials, their overall sound profiles may still have similarities due to the interactions between these contrasting materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the actuation forces are the same at 45 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, providing a similar typing experience in terms of initial actuation. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a noticeable difference. The Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. This means that the Silent Brown switch requires slightly more force to fully press down compared to the Hyacinth switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth would be the better choice as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. However, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the Silent Brown switch would be the preferred option as it offers a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, and individuals should choose based on their personal preferences and needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in length. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Silent Brown offers a slightly deeper experience. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may gravitate towards the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke may find the Silent Brown more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch can be described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for most situations, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is known for its muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch offers a silky and subtle typing experience. Being a silky switch, it provides an exceptionally smooth feeling when typing, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance, meaning it is not too heavy but still maintains a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Hyacinth switch will also not be resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch can be described as buttery, mild, and polished. Being a buttery switch, it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It falls into the mild category, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the provided information, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Hyacinth switch has a neutral sound profile, while the Silent Brown switch has a muted sound profile. In terms of feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle, while the Silent Brown switch is referred to as buttery, mild, and polished. These characteristics give each switch a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences. However, it's important to remember that the ultimate typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and personal preferences. Overall, both switches offer pleasant typing experiences, but with distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a unique travel distance that balances tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the way to go. This switch offers a neutral sound profile and a silky typing feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a comfortable rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the better choice. This switch offers a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery, mild, and polished typing feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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