KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the nuances of each option to find the perfect match for their typing style and preferences. The KTT Hyacinth stands out in the crowded landscape of linear switches with its unique 3.5mm travel distance, designed to minimize the jarring sensation of bottoming out while providing a balanced blend of tactile feedback and auditory pleasure. Its use of a single-stage elongated spring also aims to deliver a more consistent force curve, appealing to those who value comfort and an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the HMX SU offers a distinctive auditory experience with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, producing a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that may be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more acoustic typing environment. While both switches are linear and cater to users seeking smooth keystrokes, their design philosophies yield differing tactile nuances and sound signatures. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and HMX SU switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles during use. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity. This stiffness translates into a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, offering a crisp auditory experience. This characteristic is especially beneficial for users who appreciate the aesthetic enhancement of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the colors to shine through vividly. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice in switch materials. The softer nature of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound compared to polycarbonate. This leads to a duller, rounder auditory experience, which is preferred by those looking for a more pronounced thock sound when typing.
Despite the differences in the materials used for the top housings, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as they both utilize nylon. This choice in material yields a similarly deep and rich sound profile, emphasizing a cushioned bottom-out experience. The nylon bottom housing across both switches ensures that users can enjoy a harmonious consistency in sound when the keys are pressed down. The sound-absorbing qualities of nylon contribute to a tactile, velvety feel as each key is actuated. Thus, while the top housings of the KTT Hyacinth and HMX SU yield distinct auditory effects, the use of nylon in their bottom housings bridges the sound experience, offering users a fuller and more rounded typing feedback.
In summary, the main contrast between the KTT Hyacinth and HMX SU lies in the top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—which shapes their respective sound profiles. The sharper, more resonant sound of the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top contrasts with the deeper, fuller sound produced by the HMX SU's nylon top. However, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches creates a unifying aspect to their auditory experiences, leading to a familiar tactile sensation regardless of the top assembly. Users looking for a cohesive typing experience can appreciate how these design choices play off one another, resulting in a balanced sound signature influenced by the unique properties of the materials employed.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally responsive in terms of keypress initiation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth has a slightly heavier measurement at 56 grams compared to the SU's 50 grams. This difference means that while both switches allow for lighter actuation, the Hyacinth offers a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter overall experience for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may gravitate toward the HMX SU linear switch, as it is lighter and provides a gentler tactile feedback. In contrast, those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation when bottoming out would likely find the Hyacinth more satisfying.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Hyacinth offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by many gamers for faster reaction times. Conversely, the SU's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, providing a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize quicker actuation, the KTT Hyacinth would be the better choice, while those who enjoy more depth in their key presses might prefer the HMX SU.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 switches provide a neutral audio profile, which makes them versatile for various environments, whether for gaming or typing at work. This moderate sound allows for a balanced auditory experience that won't be jarring or overly distracting, making the Hyacinth ideal for both novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike. While specific information about the HMX SU’s sound profile is not detailed, it is mentioned that they have a subtle, relatively deep sound, suggesting a more muted auditory experience compared to some other linear switches. Ultimately, both switches may produce different sound characteristics depending on the keyboard they are paired with and the keycap choices made, yet the Hyacinth’s balanced tone and the SU’s deeper nuances offer two distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.
Regarding feel, the KTT Hyacinth switches shine with their silky and subtle nature. This translates to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing any resistance when pressing and releasing keys, which many users find pleasurable over extended periods of use. The subtle resistance provides just enough feedback to make typing feel effortless without being overly stiff or too light. On the other hand, there is no specific feel profile detailed for the HMX SU switches, so it's uncertain how they might compare in this aspect. If the SU switches share a similar design philosophy focused on user comfort, one might expect them to provide a pleasant typing experience as well.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth switches stand out for their neutral sound and smooth, subtle feel, making them a solid choice for users who appreciate a more balanced typing experience without harsh auditory or tactile feedback. While the HMX SU linear switch offers a relatively deep sound profile, its tactile qualities remain unknown. Users looking to achieve a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience might lean towards the Hyacinths due to their specific sound and feel characteristics, while those with the SU might also find suitable results, depending on their personal preferences and surrounding environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a switch that offers a balance of tactile feedback and comfort, the Hyacinth is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of 56 grams, it provides a medium-light feel that is well-suited for those who appreciate a silky smooth typing experience while avoiding the hard bottoming-out sensation. Its 3.5mm travel distance is designed to enhance comfort and reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it ideal for both work and personal use. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter switch with a lower bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX SU may be more appealing. Its subtle, relatively deep sound profile can be advantageous in shared spaces, as it minimizes auditory distractions while still delivering a pleasant typing feel. Additionally, the SU provides a gentle resistance that allows for a light and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your specific needs—if you desire a slightly more robust feel with a focus on comfort and feedback, go for the Hyacinth; if you prioritize a lighter touch and a sound profile suitable for shared environments, the HMX SU is the way to go.
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