KTT Hyacinth vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Jerrzi Violet offer unique features to consider. The hyacinth, a linear switch, is designed with a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, prioritizing tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. On the other hand, the violet, a tactile switch, is known for its smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While the hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, subtle and the violet is categorized as stepped, neutral, each switch has its own strengths and qualities to offer. 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
N/A
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
Yes
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 main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Jerrzi Violet lies in their bottom housing. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, the Hyacinth uses a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This means that typing on the Hyacinth switch will result in a combination of clear, resonant tones from the top housing and a more muffled, round sound from the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which may lead to a more consistent sound profile throughout typing due to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature a clear housing, which indicates the use of polycarbonate material. This transparency is especially useful if RGB lighting is a desired feature in the keyboard setup. However, the impact of the housing materials goes beyond just visual appeal. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Violet switch may result in a more consistent and crisper sound profile compared to the Hyacinth, where the softer nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the desired sound and feel that the user is looking for in their typing experience.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Hyacinth and Jerrzi Violet switches showcases how the characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon can influence the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches use polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharper sound profile, the contrast in bottom housing materials provides a unique typing experience for each switch. The Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone, while the Violet's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a clear and resonant sound. Understanding how these housing materials interact with each other can help keyboard enthusiasts tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is evident that they both share the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is undisclosed. The Hyacinth can be considered medium-light in terms of weight, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Violet's heavier force may appeal to individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience. The actuation force plays a significant role in triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force indicates how much pressure is needed to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Hyacinth's travel distance is ideal for those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the Violet's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences in the typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press feel.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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, both the KTT Hyacinth and Jerrzi Violet switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most environments and typing preferences. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so while both switches are categorized as neutral, slight variations may still be present depending on how they are implemented.
Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth switch is known for its silky typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel that minimizes resistance when typing. On the other hand, the Violet switch is characterized as having a stepped tactile feel, providing a gentle bump in the keystroke with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. These differences in tactile feedback highlight the unique typing experiences offered by each switch, catering to individual preferences for typing feel.
In conclusion, while the KTT Hyacinth and Jerrzi Violet switches share similarities in their neutral sound profile, they offer distinct tactile experiences when it comes to feel. The Hyacinth provides a silky smooth typing experience, while the Violet offers a stepped tactile feedback with a gentle bump in each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches are designed to provide enjoyable and balanced typing experiences for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force and sound profile, along with a design choice for a comfortable balance between tactile feedback and auditory experience, then the Hyacinth linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a pleasingly poppy tactility and a neutral sound signature, then the Violet tactile switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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