KTT Hyacinth vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Wine Red are both linear switches, but they offer different experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Hyacinth stands out with its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a more comfortable typing experience by avoiding the commonly felt hard bottoming-out sensation. It also deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring, ensuring a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich sound profile that keyboard enthusiasts find satisfying. While the Hyacinth is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle', the Wine Red is described as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the KTT Wine Red both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by sharpness, higher pitches, and crispness. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the vibrant colors to shine through. It's worth noting that the use of polycarbonate in clear switch housings is quite common, making it a reliable and popular choice.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Hyacinth utilizes a nylon material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. Nylon is known for its softer composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics, thus creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the top housing material. This choice maintains consistency in sound profile, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone.
When considering the overall performance of these switches, it's important to understand the role of each housing in the typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the Hyacinth with its nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly different tactile experience compared to the Wine Red with its polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing contributes more to the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the two switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the differing bottom housings influence the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see that they are quite similar. Both switches have a medium-light actuation force, with the Hyacinth at 45 grams and the Wine Red at 44 grams. Similarly, their bottom out forces are also medium-light, with the Hyacinth at 56 grams and the Wine Red at 55 grams. Therefore, both switches offer a comparable typing experience in terms of force required. This makes them suitable for those who prefer a lighter key press, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, it is worth mentioning that some may prefer a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, and in this case, both switches provide a similar level of resistance. Ultimately, the decision between the Hyacinth and the Wine Red will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a keyboard switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their travel distances. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wine Red has a travel distance of 4 mm.
A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional and provides a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth's travel distance of 3.5 mm is slightly shorter, which makes it popular among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, ideal for gaming scenarios where speed is crucial.
However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances might feel too abrupt for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper keystroke. In such cases, the Wine Red with its longer travel distance of 4 mm would be a better choice. The additional depth can provide a more satisfying tactile experience, especially for individuals who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke.
To summarize, for those seeking a keyboard switch with faster response times, the KTT Hyacinth's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more noticeable and hearty keystroke, the KTT Wine Red's longer travel distance of 4 mm would be the better choice. Both switches offer unique experiences, so it ultimately comes down to 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is best known for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to provide a balanced experience between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The switch deviates from using dual-stage elongated springs and instead opts for a single-stage elongated spring to offer a more consistent force curve. In terms of sound, the Hyacinth is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. As for the feel, the Hyacinth is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also considered subtle, with a gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound.
On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is highly praised for its pillowy light typing feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. However, specific information about its feel is not provided.
To summarize, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, a silky smooth typing experience, and a subtle resistance. The KTT Wine Red linear switch, while lacking details about its feel, provides a pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich sound profile. Although there are differences between the two switches, both offer unique qualities and can provide similar results depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps chosen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Hyacinth and KTT Wine Red switches are both great options. The Hyacinth stands out with its unique 3.5mm travel distance, which provides a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. It also features a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich sound profile.
If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile that suits most purposes, the Hyacinth is the way to go. It has a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for beginners or advanced users in both home and work environments. The Wine Red switch, on the other hand, offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that it provides a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth provides a silky and exceptionally smooth typing experience. It minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. It is also described as subtle, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel and a non-resonant sound signature. Unfortunately, there is no description available for the feel of the Wine Red switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth and KTT Wine Red switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel. Consider whether you value a unique design with balanced feedback and comfort, or a switch with a deep, rich sound profile. Determine if you prefer a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes, or a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. Finally, think about whether you prioritize a silky and smooth typing experience or a pillowy light feel. By considering these factors, you can select the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
