KTT Hyacinth vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

The KTT Hyacinth and TTC Silent Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to avoid the hard bottoming-out experience commonly found in switches with longer stems. This decision reflects the commitment to creating an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Additionally, the Hyacinth deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, opting for a single-stage elongated spring, resulting in a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Silent Reds are renowned for providing a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. These switches are perfect for office or shared living spaces due to their muted sound profile. They offer a smooth and consistent feel throughout and provide a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Hyacinth and the TTC Silent Red both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This commonality means that both switches will exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Their clear housing also allows for the use of RGB lighting, making them visually appealing options for those interested in customizable lighting effects. Therefore, if sound and aesthetics are the primary concerns, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of sound quality and visual appeal.

However, the differences arise when considering the bottom housing material. The Hyacinth features a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Red also employs nylon for its bottom housing. This choice of material affects the sound profile in contrasting ways. Typing on the Hyacinth, with its softer nylon bottom housing, will produce a deeper and fuller sound with more absorption of sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Red's bottom housing also utilizes nylon, creating a similar deeper and fuller sound, but with slightly different sound characteristics due to potential variations in the design and manufacturing of the switches.

It's important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are distributed throughout the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound experienced when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing material. Therefore, users may experience slight differences in sound behavior and tactile feedback between the Hyacinth and the Silent Red, primarily during pressing and releasing keystrokes.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches, resulting in a similar experience when typing. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference between the two. The Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Silent Red has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This indicates that the Silent Red switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to fully press the keys.

Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Hyacinth, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for those who use their keyboards for extended periods at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Red switch, as its heavier bottom out force provides a greater sense of feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating that they are designed for faster response times. Gamers who prioritize quick actions and responsiveness may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press and a more substantial feel may opt for the Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on personal preference and the desired tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate level of sound and is suitable for use in different environments, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is known for its muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making it ideal for use in shared living spaces or an office setting where noise should be minimized. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth is described as offering a silky and subtle typing experience. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The typing experience is characterized by a gentle resistance, making it suitable for most users. The sound signature of the Hyacinth will not be resonant, ensuring it is also suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is described as having a buttery and mild feel. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The tactile feedback is gentle, and the overall typing feel is approachable to most users. The switch is also polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish which contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and TTC Silent Red switches offer different subjective qualities. The Hyacinth provides a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle feel. It aims to achieve a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild feel. Its focus is on delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience, making it suitable for office or shared living space use. While they have distinct characteristics, both switches prioritize enhancing the overall typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing environment, users can choose between the Hyacinth for a neutral sound and a silky, subtle feel, or the Silent Red for a muted sound and a buttery, mild feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're seeking a switch that prioritizes a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the best choice for you. With a 3.5mm travel distance, this switch provides a smooth and subtle typing experience. Its single-stage elongated spring ensures a consistent force curve, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The sound produced by the Hyacinth is neutral, suitable for various environments and purposes.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a muted sound profile for a quieter typing experience, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect option. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams ensures a comfortable and padded bottom-out feel. The Silent Reds are ideal for office or shared living spaces due to their ability to minimize noise. With a smooth and buttery keystroke experience, these switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth and TTC Silent Red linear switches depends on your specific preferences. If you prioritize tactile feedback and a balanced auditory experience, the Hyacinth is the way to go. However, if a muted and quieter typing experience is what you desire, the Silent Reds are the better option. Consider your working environment, preferred sound profile, and typing feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more