KTT Hyacinth vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, which provides a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort by avoiding the harsh bottoming-out commonly found in switches with longer stems. Additionally, the Hyacinth deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring, resulting in a more consistent force curve. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, creating a rich and decadent typing experience. With its medium-weight and distinct gliding feel from the POM stem and proprietary factory lube method, the Sunset Yellow is suitable for a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their choice of materials for both the top and bottom housing of the switches. The Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is also known for its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials are translucent and suitable for RGB lighting, they offer distinct sonic experiences.
On the bottom housing front, the Hyacinth employs a nylon material, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow uses a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a unique and pleasing sound experience. This material, similar to the POM top housing, tends to produce a deeper sound compared to other materials.
Differences in the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Sunset Yellow lead to contrasting sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow offers a slightly muted and deep sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Hyacinth delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing in the Sunset Yellow contributes to a unique sonic experience. However, despite these differences, both switches offer a range of pleasing sound profiles that can enhance the typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and desired sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams. These forces indicate that both switches fall into the medium-light category, providing a comfortable typing experience for prolonged periods. Although there is a slight difference between the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches, this discrepancy is negligible, and users can expect similar results in terms of the force required for keystrokes. Therefore, those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming would find both options suitable. However, for individuals who prefer a slightly stronger force to enhance the tactile feedback and offer a more substantial typing experience, either switch can still provide satisfactory results.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the travel distance of the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is 3.2 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow switch. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and faster input recognition. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, the Hyacinth with its slightly longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either responsiveness or a more pronounced tactile 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound with a relatively even frequency range. It's not overly loud or soft, making it suitable for most users in various settings. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow provides a more unique sound experience. It is described as bassy, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, it offers a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Overall, if you're looking for a versatile and balanced sound, the Hyacinth is a good choice, while the Sunset Yellow offers a more indulgent and distinct sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth is described as silky and subtle. Silky refers to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Hyacinth switch provides a gentle resistance that is not too heavy, allowing for a light and comfortable typing feel. Additionally, its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. Creamy switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes. The frictionless nature of the switch minimizes resistance and provides a fluid travel feel. Lastly, the polished finish of the switch enhances the smoothness of the typing experience by reducing friction. If you prefer a silky and subtle typing feel, the Hyacinth is a great option. However, if you want a supremely smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Sunset Yellow is the way to go.
Considering the available information, the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth provides a neutral sound with a moderate actuation force and a smooth typing experience with a subtle resistance. It aims for an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, with a rich and decadent typing experience. Its unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel. Additionally, the combination of short travel and long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. While the two switches differ in their sound and feel, both can provide satisfying results depending on the user's preferences. If you enjoy a balanced and versatile sound with a silky and subtle typing feel, the Hyacinth is a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more indulgent and distinct sound with a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing feel, the Sunset Yellow is the recommended option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. The Hyacinth is a versatile switch that offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. It provides a silky and subtle typing feel, enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch is known for its captivating sound profile, with a deep and rich bassy tone during key presses. It offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless glide across the keys. If you prioritize a balanced and comfortable typing experience, with a focus on tactile feedback and auditory experience, the Hyacinth switch might be the ideal choice. However, if you desire a more indulgent and immersive typing experience, with a emphasis on rich sound and a highly responsive feel, the Sunset Yellow switch could be the better option. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences and requirements when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.