KTT Hyacinth vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, and two intriguing contenders are the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch. The Hyacinth is celebrated for its thoughtful design, featuring a unique 3.5mm travel distance that mitigates the jarring feeling of bottoming out, offering a harmonious balance of tactile feedback, sound, and comfort. It stands out with its commitment to a consistent force curve, achieved through its use of a single-stage elongated spring. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches charm users with a bright, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, thanks to their innovative Hall Effect technology that promises to elevate the typing experience. While the Hyacinth appeals to those who prioritize a subdued and comfortable typing sensation, the WS Dash caters to users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback and luxurious feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, it's clear that both switches utilize similar materials, specifically polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This consistency in material choice leads to comparable auditory and tactile experiences across both models. The polycarbonate tops contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is significant for users who appreciate clarity and articulation in their keystrokes. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as it allows for vibrant illumination that can accentuate the design of any keyboard.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which creates a contrasting auditory character to the top housing. While the polycarbonate tops lend a bright and resonant quality to the sound profile, the nylon bottoms provide a deeper and fuller sound owing to their softer composition. This combination allows users to experience a nuanced typing feel, with the impact of the bottom housing softening the overall sound and making it rounder when the keys bottom out. Therefore, while both the KTT Hyacinth and the WS Dash share similar top and bottom housing materials, the interplay of these materials results in a layered and complex acoustic experience rather than a simple replication.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both models ensures that keyboard enthusiasts will find a harmonious balance of sharpness and fullness in sound. Since both switches share the same materials that influence their sound profiles and tactile feedback, users can expect a consistent performance whether they choose the KTT Hyacinth or the WS Dash. This similarity in housing materials enables hobbyists to experiment with either switch while achieving comparable results in terms of acoustics, responsiveness, and aesthetic appeal. Thus, for those prioritizing both visual aesthetics with RGB lighting and an enjoyable typing experience, either switch could fulfill these requirements admirably.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation forces while their bottom out forces are quite similar. The Hyacinth features an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the WS Dash is lighter at only 30 grams, making the WS Dash more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming as it requires less force to trigger a keypress. Interestingly, both switches have a comparable bottom out force, with the Hyacinth at 56 grams and the WS Dash slightly lower at 55 grams. As both switches fall under the medium-light category, users who favor a lighter touch will lean towards the WS Dash for a more effortless typing experience, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may prefer the Hyacinth. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that while the WS Dash provides a lighter actuation force, the similarities in bottom out force may lead to a somewhat comparable typing feel in terms of bottoming out.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is identical, measuring 3.5 mm each. This means that users of either switch will experience the same distance when pressing down on a key, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation experience. Since both switches have equal travel distances, users can expect comparable performance in terms of key responsiveness and overall typing feel, allowing for a consistent experience whether they opt for the Hyacinth or the WS Dash.
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 Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 has a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement. This versatility makes the Hyacinth suitable for a variety of settings, whether for a beginner or an experienced user at home or in an office environment. The sound quality aims to strike a balance, ensuring it isn’t overly loud or distracting. Meanwhile, the WS Dash hall effect switch is noted for its bright and clacky sound signature, which complements its refined design. The auditory experience with the WS Dash offers a more pronounced acoustic feedback, making it a preferable choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic audio experience while typing.
Regarding feel, the KTT Hyacinth switches impress with their silky smooth keystrokes, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes any resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness is further enhanced by a subtle resistance, contributing to a light typing feel that is ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. This makes the Hyacinth switches not only enjoyable for typing but also suitable for shared spaces, as their sound signature isn't resonant. In contrast, the feel of the WS Dash is less defined in the provided information, but it is implied that the smoothness characteristic of Hall Effect technology will likely result in a unique typing experience that possibly excels in fluidity.
In summary, the KTT Hyacinth and WS Dash switches cater to different auditory preferences and typing experiences. The Hyacinth offers a balanced and neutral sound profile complemented by a silky and subtle feel, making it versatile for various environments. The WS Dash, on the other hand, provides a bright, clacky sound that may appeal more to those who enjoy expressive acoustic feedback, while also promising a smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can expect to find quality experiences with either option, but they will undoubtedly achieve different sensations and sounds from each switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a silky, smooth typing experience with a subtle feel, the KTT Hyacinth is likely the better choice for you. Its balanced actuation and neutral sound make it an excellent option for both work and play, particularly in shared spaces where noise might be a concern. The design choice of a shorter travel distance also helps to mitigate the discomfort of hard bottoming out during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a more vibrant auditory experience with a distinct clacky sound signature, the WS Dash may suit you better. This switch not only offers a smooth keystroke but also adds a touch of refinement to your setup with its visually appealing design. Overall, consider your priorities: comfort and versatility lean towards the KTT Hyacinth, while auditory delight and aesthetic appeal point you towards the WS Dash. Both switches offer a delightful typing experience, making your choice one rooted in your specific needs and preferences.
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