KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Vintage Citrus are two standout options that cater to different preferences and uses. The Hyacinth, with its 3.5mm travel distance, is designed to provide an optimal balance of tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, making it a great choice for typists and gamers who want to avoid the harsh bottoming-out sensation often associated with longer-stem switches. Its single-stage elongated spring ensures a smooth and consistent force curve, placing it in a category characterized as 'Neutral,' 'Silky,' and 'Subtle.' On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch by HMX is tailored for those who thrive on speed, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm. This characteristic makes it particularly advantageous for rapid-fire gaming scenarios, while its bright, clacky sound profile enhances the overall experience. As both switches present unique advantages—whether it be the comfort and consistency of the Hyacinth or the responsiveness and speed of the Vintage Citrus—choosing between them ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Vintage Citrus, one can immediately note a significant difference in the composition of their top housings. The KTT Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the switch’s resonance, especially appealing for users who enjoy auditory clarity—particularly when RGB lighting is introduced. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus opts for a nylon top housing, which is generally softer and promotes a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Consequently, while the Hyacinth provides a crisp and vibrant sound with a visually appealing housing, the Vintage Citrus offers a more subdued auditory quality that emphasizes a warmer typing experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in consistent characteristics with regard to sound absorption and overall feel. Since both models employ nylon in this part of the housing, they are expected to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when the keys bottom out, creating a satisfying closure to each keystroke. This similarity in the bottom housing material means that users will experience a comparable tactile feedback and sound dampening effect when pressing down on either switch, regardless of the differing top housing materials. Thus, although the top housings significantly influence the sound upon release, the commonality in bottom housing ensures certain shared attributes in feel and feedback.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Vintage Citrus tops serve to delineate their respective auditory profiles, while the identical nylon bottom housing allows for a balanced agreement in their tactile experiences. The Hyacinth’s polycarbonate top delivers a responsive and clear sound that complements faster typing, while the nylon top of the Vintage Citrus softens the acoustics, providing a cozy and cushioned touch to each keystroke. Ultimately, while users may choose one switch over the other based on their sound preferences—either lively or muted—the common nylon bottom housing assures a familiar and satisfying feel across both switches.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit some interesting differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Vintage Citrus's 48 grams, making it the preferable option for those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams versus the Hyacinth's 56 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when fully depressed. Both switches are categorized as medium-light, but the KTT Hyacinth may be more suitable for users who prioritize less resistance, while the HMX Vintage Citrus could cater to those who appreciate a firmer push. In conclusion, while both switches offer similar performance dynamics, the Hyacinth is the lighter option overall, whereas the Vintage Citrus delivers a slightly heavier typing sensation when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Hyacinth features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference means that the Vintage Citrus may offer quicker actuation, making it potentially more appealing to gamers who prefer fast response times. On the other hand, the Hyacinth, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel and could be favored by those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding key feedback and actuation speed.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 linear switch presents a neutral audio profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement that makes it versatile for various environments, be it home, work, or gaming. This neutrality allows it to appeal to a broad audience, from beginners to seasoned typists, ensuring that it doesn't overly disrupt in shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates with gamers who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience during intense gaming sessions. The sound signature of the Vintage Citrus likely contributes to its engaging feedback during rapid inputs, making it feel dynamic and fast-paced.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth switch is noted for its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally fluid typing experience that reduces friction as keys are pressed and released. This high-quality feel is complemented by a subtle resistance that ensures a light typing experience while avoiding overly blatant feedback. Additionally, this subtlety helps maintain a quiet atmosphere, making it suitable for shared working environments. The feel of the Vintage Citrus is less defined in the available information, but given its emphasis on a low actuation force designed for rapid inputs, it likely offers a similarly engaging experience, albeit tailored more towards quick, aggressive key presses.
In conclusion, both the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Vintage Citrus switches bring unique attributes to the table, catering to different preferences and uses. The Hyacinth excels with its neutral sound profile and silky, subtle typing feel, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of users in various settings. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus caters specifically to gamers seeking a clackier sound and a fast actuation feel for rapid engagement. While they fulfill different niches, opting for the Hyacinth guarantees a smooth and comfortable typing experience, whereas the Vintage Citrus shines in fast-paced gaming without explicit details available about its overall feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a balanced feel and sound, the Hyacinth is a solid option, especially if you're seeking to avoid the discomfort of hard bottoming out. Its 3.5mm travel distance and silky actuation make it suitable for both typing and general usage, whether at home or in shared workspaces. In contrast, if you're a gamer who values speed and rapid key presses, the Vintage Citrus would be ideal due to its low actuation force and extremely quick actuation distance of just 1mm. The bright, clacky sound profile adds an engaging element that many gamers appreciate. Ultimately, your selection should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for relaxed typing or high-octane gaming action.
Mentioned in this article
