KTT Hyacinth vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Strawberry. The Hyacinth sets itself apart with a unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aimed at providing a comfortable typing experience and avoiding the common issue of hard bottoming-out. It also stands out by deviating from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs in favor of a single-stage elongated spring, ensuring a more consistent force curve. In contrast, the Strawberry switches are loved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With their attractive pink and clear housings, they offer a low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Strawberry have some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate used in the top housing is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better illumination. Therefore, both the Hyacinth and the Strawberry offer similar sound and aesthetic qualities in their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a distinction between these two switches. The Hyacinth utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, offering a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clearer sound. Therefore, the choice between the Hyacinth and the Strawberry will depend on your preference for a deeper and fuller sound (Hyacinth) or a sharper and crisper sound (Strawberry) during typing.
Overall, the top housings of both the Hyacinth and the Strawberry share similar characteristics due to their use of polycarbonate. However, the bottom housings differentiate these switches. The Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Therefore, depending on the sound profile you prefer, as well as any considerations for RGB lighting, you can make an informed choice between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Hyacinth is slightly heavier, measuring at 45 grams, while the Strawberry requires slightly lighter pressure with an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Hyacinth will require a slightly firmer push to register a keystroke compared to the Strawberry.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Hyacinth has a force of 56 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls under the medium category. This indicates that the Strawberry switch will offer a slightly more substantial typing feel when pressing the keys all the way down.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may find the Hyacinth more suitable for their needs, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive finger fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Strawberry switch, as its heavier forces provide a satisfying sensation while typing.
In summary, the Hyacinth offers a slightly heavier actuation force and a lighter bottom out force compared to the Strawberry. Overall, both switches provide comparable levels of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users will achieve similar results regardless of their specific choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Hyacinth being slightly shallower and the Strawberry offering a more standard depth. Shorter travel distances are increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer the longer travel distance of the Strawberry, which provides a deeper and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as low-pitched, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. 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. With both switches having unique sound profiles, you can expect different auditory experiences when using them.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle. A silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle resistance of the Hyacinth switch provides a light typing feel, and its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Strawberry switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction. It provides a fluid travel and a sleek, refined typing experience. With both switches having similarities in terms of smoothness, you can expect a comfortable typing feel with either option.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and Strawberry switches both have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes, while the Strawberry switch has a low-pitched tone with a more mellow sound. In terms of feel, the Hyacinth switch provides a silky and subtle typing experience with gentle resistance, while the Strawberry switch offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel with an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the KTT Hyacinth and Strawberry switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a design that prioritizes tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth switch is a great choice for you. Its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring offer a consistent force curve and avoid the harsh bottoming-out experience often associated with longer-stem switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force that provides a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry switch is the way to go. Its attractive pink and clear housings add to its appeal, and it offers a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Additionally, the silky, frictionless, buttery, and polished descriptions associated with the Strawberry switch indicate that it provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, so the choice ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style.
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