KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two linear options that stand out are the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Hyacinth is celebrated for its thoughtful design, featuring a 3.5mm travel distance that helps mitigate the hard bottoming-out commonly associated with longer stems, ensuring a balance of tactile feedback and user comfort. Its innovative use of a single-stage elongated spring allows for a more consistent force curve, resulting in a typing experience that is described as ‘Neutral,’ ‘Silky,’ and ‘Subtle.’ In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a robust typing experience marked by its unique PA12 top housing, which delivers softer acoustics, and a POM stem that provides a crisp and resonant feel. This switch appeals to users who prefer a heavier keypress, combining sophistication with precise performance. Ultimately, while both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their distinctive characteristics suit different typing preferences and styles. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present a fascinating contrast, particularly in their choice of top housing materials. The Hyacinth utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate’s stiffer composition, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound, especially advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting because of its translucency. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy)’s top housing is made from nylon, a material that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. Soft and sound-absorbing, nylon creates a more muted auditory experience, indicative of a rounder sound. Thus, while the Hyacinth’s top housing enhances brightness and clarity, the Xinhai leans towards warmth and depth in auditory feedback.
When we analyze the bottom housings, a striking similarity emerges: both the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) feature nylon as their material of choice. This consistency yields a similar acoustic effect in that both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing. The nylon used in both cases absorbs sound, contributing to a softer bottom-out experience, which is characterized by its rich and rounded sound signature. Despite the differing characteristics of the top housings, the shared nylon bottom means that typists can expect a consistent auditory response when activating the switch, reinforcing the role of the bottom housing in influencing the switch’s overall tone.
In summary, the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) showcase a distinct contrast at the top of their housings while sharing a commonality at the bottom. The polycarbonate top of the Hyacinth produces a bright sound profile that is especially appealing for RGB illumination, while the nylon top of the Xinhai offers a contrasting warmth, resulting in a fuller sound. Meanwhile, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches leads to a uniform depth in the auditory experience, regardless of the top material. Therefore, when typing on these switches, one can expect differing characteristics when pressing down versus releasing, highlighting how the interplay of different materials defines the switch experience overall.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to different user preferences. The Hyacinth requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing excessive strain. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) demands a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, delivering a firmer feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Hyacinth is the lighter option while the Xinhai is the heavier switch. For users who favor the tactile feedback associated with a stronger push, the Xinhai (Heavy) is the better choice, whereas those looking for a lighter touch may find the Hyacinth more comfortable for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Hyacinth offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Hyacinth the longer of the two, providing a more substantial depth when pressed. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, typically favored by gamers for their fast-paced gameplay. Although both options reflect the trend towards shorter travel distances in modern switches, the difference between them suggests a trade-off between responsiveness and the feeling of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Hyacinth being better suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, while the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a brisker, more immediate touch.
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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the differences become apparent. The Hyacinth is recognized for its neutral sound, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced acoustic profile. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office, accommodating both beginners and experienced typists alike. In contrast, specifics about the Xinhai (Heavy)'s sound characteristics are not detailed, which leaves its auditory experience to be subject to personal interpretation and influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice.
Regarding the feel, the Hyacinth switch excels with its silky smooth action that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, thus prompting a seamless typing experience. Additionally, its subtle resistance provides a light typing feel without being overly feather-light, ensuring a comfortable interaction suitable for shared spaces without the audible resonance that might disturb others. On the other hand, the feel attributes of the Xinhai (Heavy) are not specified, preventing a direct comparison, but it may also offer a unique typing sensation that is geared towards fans of heavier switches.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is geared towards providing a neutral sound and a very smooth, subtle feel, making it a solid choice for a wide range of typing situations. While the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offers a heavier variant of the classic design, its details remain less defined in terms of sound and feel. The right choice between these switches would ultimately depend on personal preferences, especially given that the sound characteristics of the Xinhai (Heavy) are unclear. If you prioritize a balanced audio experience and smooth action, the Hyacinth stands out; however, for those seeking tailored heavier options, the Xinhai could be worth exploring further.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a light, smooth experience that minimizes resistance while offering a balanced auditory profile, the KTT Hyacinth is an excellent choice, especially with its medium-light bottom-out force of 56 grams and the 3.5mm travel distance designed to prevent hard bottoming out. This makes it particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or shared spaces where a less intrusive sound is appreciated. On the other hand, if you gravitate toward a bit more resistance in your keystrokes for a sturdier feel, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its 62.5 grams bottom-out force, will give you that satisfying feedback. Its unique materials not only enhance the acoustics but also contribute to a crisp and sophisticated experience that many enthusiasts adore. Therefore, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother action or a heavier, more tactile engagement with each keypress.
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