KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both embody the linear switch category, yet they cater to distinct user preferences. The KTT Hyacinth is recognized for its innovative design, featuring a 3.5mm travel distance that mitigates the harsh bottoming-out sensation often encountered with longer-stem switches. This thoughtful engineering strikes a delicate balance between tactile feedback and auditory experience, remaining comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a tranquil typing atmosphere. With an ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43g, it provides a smooth and serene experience ideal for those who prefer to type lightly and quietly, reminiscent of soft raindrops. While both switches offer exceptional performance, your preference may lean toward the Hyacinth for its consistent feedback and balanced design, or the Silent Sakura for its whisper-quiet nature. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g exhibit different housing materials that contribute distinct acoustical signatures to each switch, influencing both sound and feel. The Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which, due to its stiffness, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more efficiently, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic response. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings—favoring a more subdued and rounded sound—the stark difference lies in the top housing materials. This fundamental contrast suggests that the typing experience feels and sounds quite different, with the Hyacinth presenting brighter tones versus the muted acoustics of the Silent Sakura.
Moreover, the bottom housing further complicates the sound profiles, as the Hyacinth employs a nylon material that promotes a softer impact and deeper resonance. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the clarity of sound, producing a more pronounced sound at the moment of bottoming out. This interplay showcases how distinct material choices lead to varying acoustic results; while both switches utilize nylon to promote fullness and depth in lower frequencies, the differing materials at the top housing create a dichotomy between crisp versus round sound experiences. The combined effects of top and bottom materials can cater to specific user preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Despite these differences in sound profiles, each switch can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, appealing to different audiences based on their acoustic and aesthetic preferences. Users who favor pronounced RGB lighting may gravitate towards the polycarbonate top of the Hyacinth, while those seeking deeper, muted tones may find the nylon top of the Silent Sakura preferable. Both switches utilize nylon bottoms, which harmonize the experience by providing a consistent, enriched sound base. Ultimately, while the switches differ, they share a fundamental compatibility through sound absorbing and clarifying properties, leading to satisfying typing experiences aligned with user-centered designs.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Hyacinth switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it medium-light in feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, categorizing it as light. Consequently, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, ideal for users who may prefer less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Hyacinth offers a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger push feel. Overall, if one seeks a switch that balances between ease of actuation and a satisfying bottom out, the Hyacinth may be more suitable, whereas the Silent Sakura caters to those who prioritize a gentle touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Hyacinth features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. This difference in travel distance can impact the overall typing experience significantly; the shorter Hyacinth switch may be favored by gamers for its quicker response time, while the longer Silent Sakura may appeal to individuals who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive feel or a more pronounced depth in key travel.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is characterized by a neutral auditory profile. It achieves a suitable balance between volume and clarity, making it versatile for various typing environments, whether in a quiet office or a bustling home. This neutral sound profile allows users to enjoy the actuation without it becoming intrusive. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is specifically engineered to provide a whisper-quiet typing experience. This switch creates an almost imperceptible sound when activated, akin to gentle raindrops, making it ideal for silent operation. Both switches can offer a pleasant auditory experience; however, the Hyacinth caters to those seeking a balanced sound, while the Silent Sakura is ideal for situations where noise minimization is a priority.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch excels with its silky texture, providing an exceptionally smooth typing journey. The gentle resistance it offers ensures minimal friction during key presses and releases, enhancing the overall experience. Its subtle feedback minimizes long-term fatigue, making it suitable even for prolonged typing sessions. The combination of a gentle yet smooth feel makes it a wonderful option for users who value comfort without sacrificing performance. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g switch are not provided, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, given its lightweight design, it is likely to provide a different typing experience, potentially leaning toward a more delicate or soft touch suitable for lighter typists.
In conclusion, both the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches cater to different preferences but are designed with user comfort in mind. The Hyacinth offers a balanced auditory experience along with a smooth and subtle typing feel, making it versatile for various environments. In contrast, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a whisper-quiet operation tailored for those seeking serene typing sessions. While both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, they serve different user needs, allowing newcomers to select based on their specific priorities—whether it's sound, feel, or a combination of both.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your mechanical keyboard. If you’re looking for a switch that balances a moderate actuation force with a silky smooth and subtle typing experience, the Hyacinth is an excellent choice, particularly if you prefer a little more feedback in your keystrokes without overwhelming noise. Its 56g bottom-out force, combined with a well-considered design that minimizes hard bottoming out, makes it suitable for both casual typing and more intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a whisper-quiet experience and a lighter touch, the HMX Silent Sakura – with its ultra-light 43g actuation force – is likely to be more appealing. It’s perfect for environments where noise sensitivity is crucial, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. Therefore, your decision should reflect your specific use case: opt for the KTT Hyacinth for a versatile and balanced experience or choose the Silent Sakura to enjoy a tranquil typing atmosphere.
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