KTT Hyacinth vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and Bsun Taichi are two formidable options that cater to different preferences among users. The KTT Hyacinth is celebrated for its thoughtful design, featuring a 3.5mm travel distance that aims to eliminate the jarring bottoming-out sensation often found in longer-stem switches. This focus on user comfort is complemented by its use of a single-stage elongated spring, which provides a more consistent force curve, making typing experience feel neutral, silky, and subtle. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi impresses with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs, which ensure an exquisite smoothness and stability during use. This switch is designed for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a distinct tactile experience. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Hyacinth emphasizing comfort and consistency and the Taichi highlighting auditory charm and 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

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Bsun Taichi Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Hyacinth and the Bsun Taichi switches both feature polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in remarkably similar acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness confers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to each switch. This stiffness enables a clear and resonant sound quality, making both the Hyacinth and Taichi an appealing choice for enthusiasts looking for enhanced auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as it allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of keyboards equipped with these switches.

In stark contrast, both the Hyacinth and the Taichi utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon's fundamental properties introduce a contrasting sound profile, characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. The material's softer consistency absorbs more sound than its polycarbonate counterpart, resulting in a duller and rounder sonic experience. This dichotomy in housing materials leads to a unique interplay in the overall sound profile of each switch, where the bottom housing takes precedence when typing pressure is applied, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, the combination of a firm polycarbonate top with a soft nylon bottom results in a well-rounded acoustic signature, blending the clarity of the former with the warmth of the latter.

When comparing the Hyacinth and Taichi in terms of their overall performance, it's evident that the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom is present in both switches, leading to parallel acoustic results despite potential variances in other design elements. The top polycarbonate housing ensures responsive and vibrant sound during keystrokes, while the nylon bottom provides a pleasant cushioning effect on bottom-out. This design philosophy emphasizes how the distinct properties of the materials work synergistically to enhance typing experiences, proving that even with different aesthetics or branding, the essential auditory characteristics remain consistent across both models.

Weight

The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Hyacinth requiring 45 grams to actuate compared to the lighter 40 grams needed for the Taichi. This variance means that typists who favor lighter switches may prefer the Taichi for longer typing sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. However, the Hyacinth's actuation force offers a slightly more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more defined tactile experience. Additionally, the Hyacinth's bottom out force is measured at 56 grams, providing a clear indication of the resistance felt when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Taichi is listed as unavailable, leaving uncertainty about its performance in that regard. Overall, while both switches have their merits, the Hyacinth comes across as a medium-light option with both actuation and bottom out forces specified, while the Taichi is lighter in actuation force but lacks information on bottoming out, potentially affecting user preference based on their typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Hyacinth measures at 3.5 mm, while the Taichi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches have relatively short travel distances that cater to the preferences of gamers seeking quicker response times, the Taichi provides a marginally deeper feel, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced switch travel. The difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, yet it can influence the tactile experience during typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference: the Hyacinth offers a slightly snappier response, while the Taichi delivers a traditional feel with a touch more depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch features a neutral audio profile, which means it strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and sound output, making it versatile for various environments, from home to work. This neutrality provides an unobtrusive auditory experience that won't distract others, suitable for both novice and experienced users. The Bsun Taichi switch, on the other hand, is noted for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which can create a more noticeable auditory signature when typing. However, it’s essential to recognize that the sound produced by any switch is also heavily influenced by the type of keyboard it’s mounted on and the keycaps used.

Regarding feel, the Hyacinth delivers a silky smooth typing experience, characterized by minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness enhances overall user comfort, while the subtle nature of the switch's resistance keeps the typing experience light yet responsive. It ensures a gentle touch, making it suitable for shared spaces without overwhelming sounds. There’s currently no available information on the tactile feel of the Bsun Taichi switches, so a direct comparison in this regard isn't possible.

In conclusion, both the KTT Hyacinth and Bsun Taichi linear switches cater to different auditory preferences. The Hyacinth provides a more muted and versatile sound profile, ideal for multitasking environments, while the Taichi emphasizes a more distinct auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Hyacinth switches excel in smoothness and subtle resistance, offering a gentle typing experience. As such, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer a neutral sound and silky feel or are drawn to a more vibrant bottom-out sound experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between KTT Hyacinth linear switches and Bsun Taichi linear switches comes down to your specific preferences and typing environment. If you value a medium-light bottom out force and an emphasis on comfort, the KTT Hyacinth is an excellent option, especially with its 3.5mm travel distance designed to minimize that hard bottoming-out experience. The Hyacinth's silky and subtle feel makes it a great fit for both beginners and experienced typists who appreciate a smooth and gentle resistance, making it suitable for various settings, including shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a switch that offers an enchanting auditory experience with its high-pitched bottom-out sound and you prioritize a fluid and stable typing feel, then the Bsun Taichi could be your go-to choice, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. Ultimately, consider what aspects—be it the tactile experience, sound preference, or typing comfort—are most important to you in a switch when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more