KTT Hyacinth vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the KTT Hyacinth and Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both options offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort without the harsh bottoming-out sensation often experienced with longer stem switches. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 is renowned for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, appealing to a wide range of typing preferences with a focus on comfort and precision. Despite both being linear switches, the Hyacinth is described as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Subtle', while the Sky V3 is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Mild'. However, to truly determine the best switch for your needs, let's delve deeper into their individual characteristics.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Hyacinth and the Dareu Sky V3 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. The translucency of polycarbonate is also particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aesthetic. In terms of sound, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a resonant and clear sound output, making it a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Hyacinth and the Sky V3 offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound output. This can contribute to a more muted typing experience, which may be preferred by those who want a quieter keyboard experience without sacrificing the overall sound quality.
While both keyboards share similarities in their housing materials, the distribution of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Depending on personal preferences for sound quality and typing feel, users may prefer one material over the other for their mechanical keyboard build.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are noticeable differences. The Hyacinth has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams, whereas the force for the Sky V3 is unknown. This makes the Hyacinth a bit heavier overall in terms of typing experience. The actuation force of the Hyacinth is still considered medium-light, which may provide a balance between a quick keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Sky V3's force remains a mystery. If the user prefers a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the Sky V3's lower actuation force may be more appealing. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Hyacinth's slightly heavier force for both actuation and bottom out could be the better choice. In this scenario, knowing the bottom out force for the Sky V3 would provide a more accurate comparison in terms of overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Hyacinth will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Sky V3. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Hyacinth due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Sky V3 for its longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Sky V3 being more traditional and the Hyacinth catering to the preference for shorter distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and response time.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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, both the KTT Hyacinth and Dareu Sky V3 switches share a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for various typing preferences and environments. However, the Dareu Sky V3 switch also offers a subdued sound, providing a more subtle and dampened typing experience compared to the Hyacinth switch. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, including the choice of keycaps and board material.
Moving on to the feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch is characterized as mild, providing a more gentle and approachable typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches aim to balance comfort and precision, catering to a wide range of typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, both the KTT Hyacinth and Dareu Sky V3 switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Hyacinth switch prioritizes a 3.5mm travel distance for tactile feedback and user comfort, the Sky V3 switch focuses on a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight for a versatile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience while still providing tactile feedback, auditory experience, and comfort, then the KTT Hyacinth would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound profile, medium-light weight, and a balance between comfort and precision, then the Dareu Sky V3 switches would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your specific typing preferences and priorities in sound, feel, and design.
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