KTT Hyacinth vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both present compelling options for those who enjoy linear switches. The KTT Hyacinth distinguishes itself with a unique 3.5mm travel distance that mitigates the hard bottoming-out sensation often experienced with longer-stem switches, providing an excellent balance of tactile feedback, sound, and user comfort. Additionally, its single-stage elongated spring offers a consistent force curve, making it suitable for users who prioritize a smooth and balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ showcases an all-POM construction that promises an exceptionally satisfying "thock" sound signature and an ultra-smooth keystroke. This switch is perfect for those seeking a luxurious auditory experience alongside their typing comfort. While both switches cater to linear preferences, they do so through distinct design philosophies and user experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches utilize different materials for their top housing, which leads to distinct sound profiles. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its clarity and resonance due to its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the WS POM+ employs a POM top housing that produces a deeper and relatively muted sound. This disparity highlights the fundamental difference in acoustic characteristics, with the Hyacinth being more suitable for users seeking a pronounced sound with RGB lighting effects, while the WS POM+ offers a softer auditory experience that some may find more pleasing in quieter environments.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches feature POM material in their constructions, resulting in a more profound and rounded sound profile for both. The KTT Hyacinth incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, enhancing the depth and fullness of the auditory experience thanks to nylon's capacity to absorb sound more effectively. On the other hand, the WS POM+ stays consistent with POM across both top and bottom housings, bringing a uniquely muted sound to the keypresses. This similarity in bottom housing material allows somewhat overlapping auditory qualities between the two switches, but the Hyacinth’s incorporation of nylon introduces a layer of depth that distinguishes its overall sound signature from that of the WS POM+.
In summation, the combination of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth's top housing and nylon in its bottom housing creates a versatile switch with pronounced clarity and depth. Conversely, the WS POM+ maintains a uniformity with POM material in both housings, yielding a more muted sound profile. While the contrasting top materials lead to differing sound outputs when keys are released, the shared qualities of POM in the bottom housing reflect a deeper tone in both switches. Users can expect a clear distinction in top-out sound and overall acoustics based on the chosen housing materials, with the added possibility of achieving similar resonance with the right setup, particularly for the Hyacinth’s clarity against the amplified sound produced by the POM bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, both switches exhibit similar actuation forces, with the Hyacinth requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, paralleling the WS POM+ that also has an actuation force of 45 grams. This equivalence means that users can expect similar responsiveness when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out forces present a subtle distinction, with the Hyacinth registering a slightly heavier feel at 56 grams compared to the WS POM+, which bottoms out at 55 grams. Overall, the differences in bottom out force are minimal, indicating that both switches provide a fairly comparable typing experience. With both switches categorized as medium-light, they cater well to users who favor lighter options, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing significant fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS POM+ has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the KTT Hyacinth the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often prefer for faster keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS POM+, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to individuals who appreciate a more tactile and substantial depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, your preference will dictate your choice; if you lean towards responsiveness, the Hyacinth could be the better fit, whereas the WS POM+ might suit those who favor a more deliberate typing 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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Hyacinth offers a neutral sound character, striking a balance that makes it well-suited for various environments—be it at home or in an office setting. The moderate actuation force of the Hyacinth ensures that it does not create excessive noise, appealing to both beginners and more experienced typists. On the other hand, while the sound characteristics of the WS POM+ are not specifically detailed, it is noted for producing a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature. This implies that it could cater to those looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing experience, setting it apart from the more muted sound of the Hyacinth.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth is celebrated for its silky smoothness and subtle responsiveness. The silky characteristic enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and resistance, allowing for a more fluid keypress. The subtle resistance offers a gentle tactile feedback that makes it enjoyable for extended typing sessions without being fatiguing. However, information about the tactile feel of the WS POM+ is not provided, leaving an unknown variable in direct comparison. Still, given its construction from all-POM material, one might expect a certain level of smoothness, akin to the Hyacinth's silky feel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Hyacinth and WS POM+ switches present unique qualities suitable for different preferences. The Hyacinth's neutral sound and silky feel make it a versatile choice for a variety of users and settings, while the WS POM+ promises a deeper auditory experience that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, if sound and feel align closely, opting for either switch could yield a successful typing experience. If you prefer a quiet operation in a shared space, the Hyacinth would be ideal, whereas, for a more pronounced auditory presence, the WS POM+ could be the right fit.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a unique design that reduces hard bottoming-out, the KTT Hyacinth is an excellent option; its 3.5mm travel distance and silky feel cater to those who seek both tactile feedback and auditory neutrality, making it suitable for various settings from home to work. On the other hand, if your focus is on achieving a richer sound signature combined with an exceptionally smooth keystroke, you might lean towards the WS POM+, known for its satisfying "thock" sound when typing. This switch may be preferable if you are looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback during use. In summary, consider your specific typing needs—whether it's comfort and subtlety or sound profile and smoothness—when making your decision.
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