KTT Hyacinth vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the TTC Venus both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth is praised for its 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a comfortable typing experience without the harsh bottoming-out feel commonly associated with longer stem switches. With a single-stage elongated spring, it offers a consistent force curve and a balance between tactile feedback and auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its internal configuration, offering a nearly frictionless glide with a "Q-texture" that provides a unique matte sensation. Its light actuation promises rapid typing, while its muted sound signature adds a subdued auditory element to each keystroke. While the Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle', the Venus falls under categories like 'Buttery', 'Gummy', and 'Frictionless'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and TTC Venus differ in their housing materials, with the Hyacinth featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Venus has a POM top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for users looking for a crisp typing experience with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Venus produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique typing experience. In terms of the bottom housing, the nylon material of the Hyacinth results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus provides a sharper and clearer sound profile, complementing the top housing.
While the top housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and TTC Venus offer contrasting sound profiles, their bottom housing materials provide a different typing experience as well. The nylon bottom housing of the Hyacinth absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, which can contribute to a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus leads to a more resonant and clear sound, which may appeal to users who prefer a sharper typing sound. This demonstrates how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth and the TTC Venus ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Hyacinth offers a sharper and crisper typing sound with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Venus provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate in the two switches result in differences in sound and feel when typing. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth and TTC Venus linear switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them similar in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth is 56 grams, while the bottom out force of the Venus is 52 grams. This makes the Venus switch slightly lighter in terms of the force required to press the key all the way down. The Hyacinth would provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Venus may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions due to its lighter bottom out force. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light in terms of overall force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the TTC Venus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the KTT Hyacinth. The difference may seem minimal, but it can affect the overall feel and performance of the switch. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the KTT Hyacinth would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press with a bit more depth might lean towards the TTC Venus. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound that caters to those who appreciate a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Venus switch having a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Hyacinth switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific sound profile you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the two switches, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle, offering a smooth typing experience with gentle resistance. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Venus switch stands out for its unique blend of characteristics that contribute to a satisfying and refined typing experience. Whether you prefer a smoother or more cushioned feel while typing, both switches offer distinct tactile feedback that can cater to different user preferences.
Overall, when comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is clear that each switch has its own set of subjective qualities that can appeal to different users. The Hyacinth switch prioritizes a balanced tactile feedback and user comfort, while the Venus switch focuses on providing a smooth and engaging typing experience with a muted sound signature. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment and efficiency while typing. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard switches, you can expect quality performance and satisfaction from either the Hyacinth or Venus linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Hyacinth would be a great choice for you. The Hyacinth offers a unique 3.5mm travel distance that aims to provide a comfortable typing experience without the harsh bottoming-out sensation often found in longer-stem switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a distinctive matte sensation, the TTC Venus would be the way to go. The Venus boasts a smooth and engaging typing experience with its internal configuration, offering a nearly frictionless glide paired with a satisfying Q-texture resistance. Consider your preference for travel distance, sound, and feel when deciding between the Hyacinth and Venus switches to find the perfect match for your typing style and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer a blend of unique features that cater to different preferences, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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