KTT Hyacinth vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Hyacinth, known for its innovative design, features a 3.5mm travel distance aimed at minimizing the hard bottoming-out sensation typical of longer stems. This design choice, complemented by a single-stage elongated spring, delivers a balanced combination of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, making it a great option for those seeking comfort during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with the incorporation of ball-bearings, dramatically reducing friction for an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. Its medium-high pitched sound adds a pleasant auditory layer, appealing to users who appreciate a refined acoustic experience. Both switches possess distinct advantages that can enhance your typing experience, depending on whether you prioritize a plush bottom-out or a silky smooth actuation. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the KTT Hyacinth and Wuque Studio WS Pearl predominantly revolves around their respective top housing materials, polycarbonate and nylon. The KTT Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, allowing for a sharper and more resonant sound profile—characteristics favorable in scenarios where RGB lighting is employed. This sharper sound is contrasted with the WS Pearl's nylon top housing, which offers a softer construction contributing to a fuller, more muffled sound profile. The differences in these two top housing materials influence the auditory experience significantly; while the Hyacinth allows light to shine through beautifully, enhancing RGB visibility, the WS Pearl provides a soundscape that feels more rounded and less intrusive.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the KTT Hyacinth and the WS Pearl use nylon, a classic choice for switch construction. The nylon bottom housing across both models creates a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing due to its sound-absorbing properties. This similarity allows both switches to offer a rich auditory experience while bottoming out, leveraging the same material's characteristics. The impact of the nylon housing is especially felt when considering that it provides a distinct bottom-out feel, consistent across both switches, leading to a satisfying typing experience regardless of the differing top housing materials.
In conclusion, while the KTT Hyacinth and WS Pearl showcase contrasting materials in their top housings, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing aligns their performance in terms of depth and fullness. Therefore, when leveraging a combination of these materials, typists can experience great diversity in sound profiles depending on whether they are bottoming out or releasing a key. In effect, though the Hyacinth’s polycarbonate top allows for a sharper sound, the complementary nylon bottom ensures that users can still achieve a satisfying blend of a crisp release feel and a warmer bottom-out sound across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Hyacinth features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Pearl is notably lighter with an actuation force of only 30 grams. This difference means users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the WS Pearl. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, compared to the Pearl’s slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This suggests that, despite the Pearl's lighter actuation, it ultimately requires a bit more force to fully press down. Thus, while both switches may provide satisfying keystrokes, the Hyacinth offers a more balanced force experience, while the WS Pearl caters to those who prefer a lighter actuation without sacrificing complete engagement.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning they offer the same amount of travel when pressed down. This equal travel distance ensures that users will experience similar keypress feedback and feel when typing or gaming. As a result, both switches will provide a comparable performance in terms of travel dynamics, making them suitable options for those seeking a consistent linear switch experience.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
When considering sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch produces a neutral sound profile characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement. This balance makes it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, while the WS Pearl's sound profile has not been explicitly detailed, it is noted to have a medium-high pitch. This tonal quality could suggest a brighter auditory experience, which may contrast with the Hyacinth's more subdued sound, potentially making the Pearl more noticeable in quiet areas. However, both switches’ sound characteristics will ultimately be influenced by the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, users of the Hyacinth switches can expect an exceptionally smooth typing experience, described as silky, thanks to their single-stage elongated spring design that minimizes resistance. This smoothness is complemented by a subtle resistance, allowing for a comfortable yet controlled typing experience. While there isn't any specific description available for the WS Pearl’s feel, the incorporation of ball-bearings in its design suggests it aims for a refined and frictionless typing experience. This smoothness could be comparable to that of the Hyacinth but may differ in resistance characteristics due to the unique mechanics at play.
In conclusion, when comparing the KTT Hyacinth and the WS Pearl linear switches, the Hyacinth offers a well-rounded auditory presence and a silky feel with subtle resistance ideal for various settings. The WS Pearl stands out with its unique ball-bearing design, promising a different texture to the typing experience, potentially making it smoother, albeit less defined in resistance. Ultimately, users will find that while both switches prioritize smoothness, the balance of sound and feel may lead them to favor one over the other based on their personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, consider the nuances of your typing experience and environment. If you prefer a smoother and more consistent typing experience without the harsh bottoming out feel, the Hyacinth is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force and unique 3.5mm travel distance contribute to a balanced combination of tactile feedback and comfort, making it suitable for both work and casual use in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you seek an exceptionally smooth keystroke with a distinctive sound profile, the WS Pearl, with its ball-bearing design to minimize friction, will elevate your typing experience. The slightly higher actuation force of the Pearl (58 grams) might provide a firmer resistance that some users favor for more deliberate typing or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences; your choice should align with your priorities for feel, sound, and ergonomics.
Mentioned in this article
