KTT Hyacinth vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and Jwick Taro are both mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different features and experiences. The Hyacinth excels in providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience, thanks to its 3.5mm travel distance that eliminates the harsh bottoming-out sensation common in switches with longer stems. In addition, the Hyacinth opts for a single-stage elongated spring, resulting in a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. It has a comfortable and subdued color scheme that adds to the overall appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Jwick Taro have similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more resonant and clear sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. Therefore, both switches offer a similar experience when it comes to the sound and aesthetic appeal of their polycarbonate top housing.
Moving onto the bottom housing, both the Hyacinth and the Taro utilize nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon's relatively softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that implement this material. Therefore, both switches provide a similar typing experience when it comes to the sound produced by their nylon bottom housing.
It's important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ between switches, the qualities associated with each material will be split between the two parts of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Overall, while the Hyacinth and the Taro have slight differences in their housing materials, they provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is relatively light, and a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is slightly heavier. On the other hand, information regarding the actuation force for the Taro switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth switch would be a suitable option as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain. This could be beneficial for individuals using the keyboard for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force. This would be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing.
Although specific actuation force information is not provided for the Taro switch, it is important to note that heavier bottom out force generally indicates a higher actuation force as well. Therefore, it can be inferred that the Taro switch likely requires a higher actuation force compared to the Hyacinth switch.
Overall, the Hyacinth switch is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force, while the Taro switch is heavier, offering a more forceful typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see that the Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches have relatively short travel distances, it is worth noting that the Taro offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Hyacinth. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper and less abrupt feel may choose the Taro with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, catering to individual preferences for keyboard usage.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
The KTT Hyacinth and Jwick Taro switches have similar qualities when it comes to sound. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle. A silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the subtle resistance of the Hyacinth switch provides a light typing feel, and the sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, the Taro switch is described as buttery and stepped. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The stepped characteristic of the Taro switch refers to its tactile nature, where it feels like it has two stages. Unlike hypertactile switches with a big bump throughout the keystroke, stepped switches have milder feedback with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In summary, both the KTT Hyacinth and Jwick Taro switches have their own unique qualities. The Hyacinth offers a silky and subtle typing experience with a non-resonant sound profile, while the Taro provides a buttery and stepped keystroke sensation. Despite their differences, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Additionally, it is essential to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps to fully customize the sound and feel of the switches to your preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be the better choice for you. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring, it offers a consistent force curve and avoids the hard bottoming-out experience often found in switches with longer stems. The Hyacinth provides a silky and subtle feel, enhancing the smoothness of your typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various settings, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy and medium level of tactility, along with acute and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be more suitable for you. The Taro offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. It is described as buttery and stepped, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild bump and possible pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Like the Hyacinth, the Taro also has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different purposes and environments.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience, opt for the Hyacinth. If you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy feel, choose the Taro. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most users and settings.
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