KTT Hyacinth vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits for users. On one hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a comfortable typing experience without the common issue of hard bottoming-out. With a single-stage elongated spring, it delivers consistent force and a balanced combination of tactile feedback and auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque are designed to elevate the office and work experience with reduced switch noise and exceptional responsiveness. The ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts effectively minimize noise while still providing a satisfying bottom-out sensation. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches do not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that seamlessly blends tranquility and precision. Both switches fall under the neutral category, offering a subtle or muted typing experience depending on the individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide distinct sound characteristics depending on the housing materials used.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Hyacinth and the WS Silent Linear use nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housings of both switches offer similar sound qualities, which enhance the overall typing experience.
When it comes to how the housing materials affect the overall sound and feel of the switches, there is a distinction between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. In this case, the nylon material in both switches plays a crucial role in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile upon keystrokes. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound upon key release, while the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile.
In summary, while the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, they offer unique sound profiles for both keystrokes and key releases. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housings, resulting in similar deeper and fuller sound profiles upon keypress. Overall, understanding the variations in housing materials helps in selecting a switch that aligns with individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the actuation force for the WS Silent Linear is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth is 56 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 63.5 grams of the WS Silent Linear, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth would be a suitable choice as its actuation force is on the lighter side. This would be beneficial for individuals who type for longer periods or participate in extended gaming sessions, as it can help reduce fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. This would cater to those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more tactile typing sensation.
While it is difficult to directly compare the actuation force of the two switches due to the unavailability of data for the WS Silent Linear, it can be speculated that the actuation force might be similar to the Hyacinth, as both are linear switches. Therefore, individuals seeking a similar typing experience to the Hyacinth but with a heavier bottom out force may find the WS Silent Linear to be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile experience for users. Whether you choose the Hyacinth or the WS Silent Linear, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall key 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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth switches are described as neutral, providing a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer a more varied sound experience. They are also described as neutral, but with the added qualities of being muted and subdued. These switches produce softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Hyacinth switches provide a consistent sound experience, the WS Silent Linear switches offer a more tranquil and precise typing experience due to the absence of silicone dampeners.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth switches are known for their silky and subtle qualities. They offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle resistance of these switches ensures a gentle and light typing feel, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches provide a mild typing experience. They offer a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making them approachable to most users. While the Hyacinth switches prioritize smoothness and subtlety, the WS Silent Linear switches strike a balance in the middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Hyacinth linear switches and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth switches focus on providing a neutral sound profile with a silky and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches offer a more varied sound experience, with qualities of being muted and subdued, while providing a mild typing experience. Both switches can cater to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. Depending on personal preferences, the sound and feel of these switches can be further customized by choosing different keyboard boards and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that combines a unique design with a comfortable typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is a great choice. With a 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring, the Hyacinth offers a balanced tactile feedback and auditory experience without the hard bottoming-out commonly associated with longer stems. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or in a work environment.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is the way to go. These switches utilize ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise, providing a satisfying bottom-out sensation. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches do not use silicone dampeners, offering a distinct typing experience that maintains precision while minimizing noise. This switch is suitable for any level of expertise and can be used in various settings, from home to office.
In terms of sound, both switches fall under the neutral category, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the WS Silent Linear switch offers additional sound profiles, such as muted and subdued, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with gentle resistance. It is ideal for shared spaces as it provides a non-resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch has a mild feel, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch will depend on your priorities. Whether you value a unique design with a comfortable typing experience or a quieter typing experience without compromising responsiveness, both switches offer their own distinct advantages. Consider your preferences, typing environment, and level of expertise to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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