KTT Hyacinth vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the KTT Hyacinth and the Durock White Lotus. The Hyacinth is a linear switch that offers a unique design choice with its 3.5mm travel distance. This decision was made to provide a tactile feedback and auditory experience while ensuring user comfort by avoiding a hard bottoming-out experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed specifically for typists who value a delicate tactility. It strikes the perfect balance between feedback and user comfort, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. 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

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Hyacinth and the Durock White Lotus have different materials for their top housings. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus boasts a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel to the switch. Although the specific sound characteristics are not mentioned, the material choice suggests that it may offer a different sound profile compared to the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing.

Both switches, however, have nylon bottom housings. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon possesses the property of being a softer plastic, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption creates a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a more pleasing and satisfying typing experience. Therefore, regardless of the switch model, users can expect a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when pressing down on both the Hyacinth and White Lotus switches.

It is worth noting that the choice of materials for the top and bottom housings affects different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, in this case, the nylon bottom housing, have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material, such as polycarbonate for the Hyacinth or modified PC and UPE Blend for the White Lotus, influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the bottom housing materials may offer a similar experience in terms of sound profile, the different top housing materials may result in variations in the sound produced when releasing the key.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have similar actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of the Hyacinth is 45 grams, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams, making them practically identical. In terms of bottom out force, both switches require 56 grams of force to fully press the keys. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience from both switches, as the actuation and bottom out forces are very close. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light force switches, which is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The similarity in force requirements ensures that users will achieve comparable results when using either the Hyacinth or the White Lotus switch.

Travel distance

The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the White Lotus has a slightly longer distance compared to the Hyacinth. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0 mm distance is shallower. However, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, especially in gaming where faster response times are desired. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker key presses. On the other hand, some people find short travel distances too abrupt and prefer switches with a longer distance for a more satisfying and deeper keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Hyacinth switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes and environments. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a neutral sound option, which is ideal for a wide range of users and settings. However, the White Lotus switch also provides the option for a low-pitched sound, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper and more mellow auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Hyacinth switch is also described as subtle. This indicates that it has a gentle resistance, providing a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Hyacinth switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch is also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Overall, the White Lotus switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, the White Lotus switch shares the subtle characteristic of the Hyacinth switch, offering a gentle resistance and a light typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces.

Based on the available information, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It also offers a silky feel, with an exceptionally smooth typing experience and a subtle resistance. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch provides the option for a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also has an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue. The White Lotus switch is also described as mild and subtle, providing a gentle typing experience with a light resistance and a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces. Overall, the Hyacinth switch and the White Lotus switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences and typing needs.

Conclusion

In summary, if you're looking for a medium-light, neutral switch with a focus on a smooth typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring, it offers a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth switch has a silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it has a subtle sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.

On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch that strikes the perfect balance between tactility and comfort, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. With its removable light column, it allows for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. The White Lotus switch has an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also offers a mild typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for both work and home environments.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize a smooth and subtle linear switch or a light and comfortable tactile switch, both options provide exceptional quality and performance.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more