KTT Hyacinth vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique features and benefits. The Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort without the harsh bottoming-out sensation often associated with longer-stem switches. With a single-stage elongated spring design for a consistent force curve, the Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes, pleasing bassy sounds, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for quick responses in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Creamy', 'Feathery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', and 'Silky', the Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed for optimal gaming performance. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Silver Pro have a polycarbonate top housing, which means they will both provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound experience when typing on either keyboard.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Hyacinth features a nylon material, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This shared material choice between the two keyboards means that users can enjoy a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and quality.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences in bottom housing materials between the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Silver Pro could potentially lead to a slightly varying feel and sound when pressing down on the keys. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite this slight difference, both keyboards offer a high-quality typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Silver Pro is lighter in both aspects. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro boasts a lower actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch overall. The difference in force between the two switches provides distinct typing experiences for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro for extended typing sessions, while those who appreciate a stronger push may opt for the Hyacinth for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Hyacinth switch has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Silver Pro switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for fast response times, particularly favored by gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be particularly noticeable in practical usage, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the level of key depth and tactile feedback desired.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 switch is known for its neutral profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level suitable for various settings and users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is characterized by a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, which can be preferred by those looking for a more distinct auditory experience. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Turning to feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is praised for its silky and subtle typing experience, providing smooth key presses with gentle resistance that is comfortable and suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as easy-to-press with a creamy, feathery, and polished feel. These switches offer low resistance, smooth actuation, and reduced finger fatigue, making them ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch prioritizes a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort with its unique design features such as a 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is tailored for gamers with its light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and pleasingly bassy sound. While the Hyacinth offers a neutral sound profile and a silky typing feel, the V3 Silver Pro provides a high-pitched sound and a creamy, feathery, and polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and typing requirements, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the bottom out force and intended use case. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams and value a design focused on balancing tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the Hyacinth may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, and prioritize a switch engineered specifically for gaming with light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the V3 Silver Pro could be the better option. Additionally, consider the sound profile you prefer, as the Hyacinth offers a neutral sound while the V3 Silver Pro produces a high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming setup.
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