KTT Hyacinth vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and the Bsun Tomcat offer two distinct yet appealing options for users who appreciate linear switches. The KTT Hyacinth is renowned for its unique design, featuring a 3.5mm travel distance that minimizes the jarring sensation of bottoming out often felt with longer stems. Its single-stage elongated spring promotes a consistent force curve, creating a balanced experience that emphasizes tactile feedback and user comfort. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat excels in delivering an ultra-smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, which also contribute to a resonant sound profile that many typists find satisfying. While the Hyacinth prioritizes a blend of tactile feedback and comfort, the Tomcat leans heavily into smoothness and acoustic pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the KTT Hyacinth and the Bsun Tomcat feature polycarbonate tops, contributing to a sharp and clear sound profile. The polycarbonate material, known for its stiffness, enhances the clarity and resonance of the audio produced when typing, allowing for distinct notes. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches can deliver a similar auditory experience, particularly important for users who appreciate the nuances of sound in mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the translucence of the polycarbonate top is advantageous for RGB lighting effects, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating an appealing visual experience for enthusiasts looking to enhance their keyboards aesthetically.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a material recognized for its sound-dampening properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which stands in direct contrast to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate tops. The nylon’s relative softness absorbs vibrations more than its stiffer counterpart, making the typing experience feel a bit softer and rounder. Users may note that due to this combination of materials—stiff polycarbonate on top and softer nylon below—the overall sound experience is a balanced mix of crispness and depth. While the top housing influences the release sound, the bottom housing significantly affects the bottoming-out feedback, crafting a hybrid auditory experience that is satisfying in both aspects.

Overall, while both the KTT Hyacinth and the Bsun Tomcat share the same materials for their top and bottom housings—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—the outcomes they create depend on the interplay between these materials. The polycarbonate's rigidity and clarity enhance the auditory output when keys are released, while the nylon contributes to a cohesive and resonant sound during key presses. This harmonious blend of materials results in a unique typing experience that combines the sharpness and depth expected from high-quality mechanical switches, making both the Hyacinth and Tomcat appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The KTT Hyacinth and Bsun Tomcat linear switches share similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This consistency suggests that users will experience comparable responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Hyacinth at 56 grams and the Tomcat at 54 grams. This means that while both switches offer a medium-light feel, the Hyacinth has a marginally heavier bottom out force, providing a slightly more substantial feedback when fully pressed down. Overall, both switches cater well to those who prefer medium-light options, but the Tomcat is marginally lighter in terms of bottoming out force, making it a touch more forgiving during extended use, ideal for long work or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Hyacinth features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a bit more depth in each keystroke, the Tomcat may suit your preferences better. On the other hand, the Hyacinth's shorter travel distance could be more appealing for gamers or those seeking faster, more responsive key presses. While the difference is minimal, it aligns with the trend of shorter travel distances becoming more prevalent in modern switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on whether you prefer the slight responsiveness of the Hyacinth or the deeper feel of the Tomcat.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch provides a neutral auditory experience. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement combined with a balanced sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike—whether in a home or work setting. The switch's design promotes an environment-friendly approach to typing noise, ensuring that it won’t intrude upon shared spaces. In contrast, while specific details about the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat switch are not fully outlined, it is noted to have a resonant sound. Such characteristics often suggest that the Tomcat could have a more pronounced auditory result, depending on the user's setup and environment.

In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth is characterized as both silky and subtle. The silky quality provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance during key presses and contributing to an overall enjoyable use. The subtle aspect ensures that there’s a gentle resistance without excessive force, making it easy to type for extended periods without fatigue. However, details about the tactile feel of the Tomcat remain unknown, leaving an open space for potential exploration and user feedback on its specific typing experience.

Overall, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and smooth, subtle typing feel. It offers both comfort and practicality, appealing to a wide range of users. Meanwhile, with the Bsun Tomcat's resonant sound profile and uncharted feel characteristics, it presents an interesting alternative, although an unknown quantity in terms of typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences while ensuring that users will likely find satisfaction within their typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, you should consider your typing preferences and your typical environment. If you appreciate a silky smooth and subtle typing experience with minimal resistance, and you prefer to avoid the hard bottoming-out feel, the KTT Hyacinth might be the better choice for you. Its unique design balances comfort with effective feedback, making it a versatile option whether you are working, gaming, or typing for long sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a super smooth experience paired with a resonant sound profile, the Bsun Tomcat could be your go-to switch. Notably, both switches have a medium-light bottom-out force, making them accessible for various users. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, cushioned feel or an engaging acoustic experience, so consider how you type and what environments you usually find yourself in to make the best decision for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more