KTT Hyacinth vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. This switch also deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the WS Yellow linear switches boast a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring, they offer a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. Additionally, the WS Yellow switches are crafted to be lightweight, ensuring effortless keystrokes and a smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housing. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the WS Yellow has a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth provides a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Yellow absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housing. This material is known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound. Therefore, both the Hyacinth and the WS Yellow switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing the keys. However, it is important to note that the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, and this is where the differences between the two switches become apparent.
When pressing down on the Hyacinth switch, the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing will be felt, contributing to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch will also provide a similar bottom-out sound and feel due to its nylon bottom housing. However, when releasing a key, the top housing material will come into play. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth will create a more clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Yellow will result in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in sound when letting go of a key sets the two switches apart in terms of their auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role. In terms of weight, both switches fall under the category of medium-light. The actuation force of the Hyacinth is 45 grams, while the WS Yellow's actuation force is unknown. As for the bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams of force, while the WS Yellow demands 53 grams.
For individuals who prefer a lighter switch, both the Hyacinth and WS Yellow can provide a comfortable typing experience. The lighter actuation force allows for extended periods of typing or gaming without causing excessive fatigue. However, those who desire a more robust and substantial typing feel may lean towards options with heavier actuation forces.
Although the actuation forces of these switches may differ, they both fall within the medium-light range. This means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, the results will be fairly similar. The actuation force defines the amount of force required to initiate a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to fully depress the key.
In summary, while the KTT Hyacinth has a known actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow's actuation force remains undisclosed, but it has a bottom out force of 53 grams. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing feel and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly longer distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have gained popularity in recent years. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority for you, the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the WS Yellow with its longer travel distance would provide a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel when pressing down on the keys.
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 Yellow comes in at $3.50 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 it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate volume and tone, making it suitable for various environments and purposes. The WS Yellow, on the other hand, does not have a specific description of its sound characteristics provided. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you are looking for a similar sound experience to the Hyacinth, the WS Yellow may provide similar results.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth is described as silky and subtle. A silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle resistance of the Hyacinth provides a light typing feel, and its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is described as creamy, mild, and polished. A creamy switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, gliding effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. The mild characteristics of the WS Yellow provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, and the polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth has a neutral sound profile and provides a silky and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is described as creamy, mild, and polished. While the specific sound characteristics of the WS Yellow are unknown, it offers a smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on your preferences and requirements, both switches offer their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Hyacinth linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it's important to take into account your specific preferences and needs.
The Hyacinth switches are best known for their design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which aims to provide an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort by avoiding a hard bottoming-out experience. The Hyacinth also deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, opting instead for a single-stage elongated spring to provide a more consistent force curve. In terms of sound, the Hyacinth is described as neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of purposes.
On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches from Wuque Studio offer a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. They feature a 22mm double-stage spring, providing a satisfying bounce and a delightful typing experience. Additionally, the WS Yellow switches are crafted to be lightweight, offering effortless keystrokes and ensuring a smooth and fluid typing experience. The sound profile of the WS Yellow switches is not specified, so it's best to try them out or rely on user reviews for more information.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth switches are described as silky and subtle, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This makes them suitable for those who value smoothness and a quiet typing experience in shared spaces.
On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches are described as creamy, mild, and polished. They offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The mild characteristics of the WS Yellow switches make them approachable for most users, striking a balance between various preferences.
Ultimately, whether you choose the KTT Hyacinth linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch will depend on your personal preferences for travel distance, force curve, sound profile, and typing feel. It's recommended to try out both switches if possible or rely on detailed user reviews to make an informed decision.
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