KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists. The KTT Hyacinth is celebrated for its innovative 3.5mm travel distance, designed specifically to mitigate the hard bottoming-out sensation often felt with longer-stemmed switches. This results in a balanced blend of tactile feedback, auditory satisfaction, and user comfort, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet experience, perfect for quieter environments, with a balanced 53g bottom-out force that provides a light yet gratifying keystroke. While the Hyacinth leans towards a neutral and silky feel with a commitment to consistent force delivery, the Silent Sakura is ideal for those seeking a soft and subtle auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches contrast significantly, particularly when it comes to their top housings. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is attributed to the material's stiffness, allowing for a crisper and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing glow. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and less piercing audio feedback compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. This fundamental difference in materials leads to distinctive auditory outcomes that can appeal to diverse preferences among users.
Notably, the bottom housings of both switches are also made from differing materials, which further influences their overall sound profiles. The KTT Hyacinth incorporates a nylon bottom housing, maintaining that deeper, fuller sound characteristic attributed to nylon materials. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed with a polycarbonate bottom housing, thus contributing to a sharper, more resonant bottom-out sound. The impact of these materials is significant: while the bottom housing is crucial for the key's feel and the sound when pressed down, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced upon key release. Therefore, those who appreciate nuanced sound profiles in their switches might experience a divergence based on these varying materials.
When comparing the overall performance of the two switches, it becomes clear that while there is a marked difference in material characteristics, users can still achieve specific sound profiles by mixing and matching differently housed switches. For example, if a user prefers the softer, fuller sound of nylon but enjoys the aesthetic benefits of clear polycarbonate, they could separately consider switches with different configurations to tailor their keyboard experience. Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Hyacinth and Silent Sakura switches produces distinct sound profiles, yet a comparative understanding of how each affects overall key feedback can help users make informed choices about their switching preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. This similarity means users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of initial keypress feedback, ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Silent Sakura bottoms out at 53 grams. This indicates that while both switches have a lightweight feel during actuation, the Hyacinth requires slightly more force when fully pressed down compared to the Silent Sakura. Consequently, the Hyacinth can be classified as the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial feel when bottoming out, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer keypress. Overall, users looking for a lighter typing experience may find both switches suitable, but those who appreciate a bit more resistance at the bottom are likely to lean toward the KTT Hyacinth.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Hyacinth offers a slightly shorter actuation compared to the Silent Sakura, which might be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel to those who appreciate a heartier depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, if responsiveness is a priority, the KTT Hyacinth's 3.5 mm travel distance may suit your needs better, whereas if you favor a more traditional and pronounced typing feel, the HMX Silent Sakura's 4 mm travel distance would be the ideal choice.
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 - 53g 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch offers a neutral profile, delivering a moderate auditory experience that makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or work. This balance allows it to cater to both beginners and advanced typists alike without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch remain unspecified. However, given its emphasis on a whisper-quiet typing experience, it can be inferred that the Silent Sakura produces a quieter sound than many other linear switches, making it ideal for users who want minimal noise, especially in shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth is characterized as silky and subtle, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance. This enhanced smoothness not only makes typing enjoyable but also helps in reducing fatigue during prolonged usage. Its subtle resistance provides a light typing feel that is neither too feather-light nor overly heavy, making it suitable for various typing styles. In contrast, the tactile experience of the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is not described, leaving its feel characteristics unknown. Nevertheless, the mention of a balanced 53g bottom-out force suggests a comfortable and potentially satisfying keystroke that could be analogous in certain aspects to the Hyacinth switch.
Overall, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch excels in offering a balanced sound and a smooth, subtle feel, the HMX Silent Sakura is engineered for those prioritizing a quiet typing experience. Although the Silent Sakura's specific sound and feel characteristics are not detailed, its design implies a focus on delivering user comfort and a gentle typing experience, potentially appealing to similar user preferences as the Hyacinth. Thus, users can expect a satisfying experience from either switch, but those prioritizing sound may lean toward the Hyacinth, while those seeking quiet operation might prefer the Silent Sakura.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value a smooth and silky typing experience with a slightly firmer touch, the Hyacinth is a fantastic option. Its unique 3.5mm travel distance minimizes the hard bottoming-out experience while maintaining a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for both home and office settings where noise considerations are moderate. On the other hand, if you prioritize a whisper-quiet operation and a lighter keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed for typists seeking a gentle, satisfying touch. With its perfectly balanced bottom out force, it shines in environments that demand silent operation, making it ideal for shared or noise-sensitive spaces. Ultimately, assess your needs based on the typing experience you desire and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two excellent switches.
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