KTT Hyacinth vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Yellow Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Unlike many switches with longer stems that often result in a hard bottoming-out experience, the Hyacinth avoids this issue. Additionally, the Hyacinth uses a single-stage elongated spring instead of the more common dual-stage option, ensuring a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is favored by gamers and typists who seek speediness and responsiveness. With a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, it provides the ideal experience for those who value quick and precise keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
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
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are very similar, as both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the switch housing. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the Hyacinth and the Yellow Silver switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Hyacinth features a nylon bottom housing, while the Yellow Silver also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. Therefore, users can expect a slight difference in sound between the Hyacinth and the Yellow Silver switches due to their nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, both the bottom and top housing play a role in the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, despite any differences in their housing materials, the Hyacinth and the Yellow Silver switches will likely have similar results when it comes to the overall typing experience and the satisfaction of the keypresses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of sensitivity and responsiveness when using either switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making the Yellow Silver slightly lighter in terms of the force required to fully press the key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yellow Silver may be the better option, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, if a user prefers a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Hyacinth may be the preferable choice. Overall, both switches offer a medium-light actuation force, but the slight variation in bottom out force provides users with options catering to their personal preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm distance is considered to be the most traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Hyacinth is shorter and preferred by gamers for its faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver may be more suitable. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference, with the Hyacinth offering a more responsive feel and the Yellow Silver providing a deeper, more pronounced key press.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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, both the KTT Hyacinth and Outemu Yellow Silver switches have a similar neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound profile and actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the chosen keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth switch offers a silky typing experience. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth feel when typing, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Hyacinth switch has a subtle resistance, which is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Hyacinth switch is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Unfortunately, no information is available about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch.
Considering the available information, both the Hyacinth and Yellow Silver switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various uses. However, the Hyacinth switch stands out with its silky typing experience and subtle resistance, which enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel. If you prefer a similar typing experience and sound profile, the Yellow Silver switch may provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on one's personal preferences for feel and sound.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches would be suitable choices.
However, if you prioritize a unique design that aims for an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the Hyacinth stands out with its 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring. This switch provides a silky and subtle typing experience, making it a great option for those who value smoothness and minimal resistance when typing.
On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile. While lacking specific descriptions, it is favored by gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness.
Ultimately, your choice between these two switches would depend on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Whether you prioritize a unique design with an emphasis on tactile feedback and comfort, or if you prefer a switch that offers a light and responsive typing experience, both the Hyacinth and the Yellow Silver could be suitable options for you.
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