Strymon Flint VS Keeley Hydra (simple comparison)

Tremolo and reverb are two effects that go quite well together. And in this comparison, we're looking at two of the best tremolo/reverb combo pedals we know of: The Strymon Flint VS Keeley Hydra.

Both of these pedals house three tremolo and three reverb algorithms, allowing you to blend the two or use each one separately.

Which one of these pedals is more ideal for your situation?

We'll give you a simple rundown and comparison of the Hydra and Flint to help you make your decision.

If you have questions about either pedal, feel free to jump in and post them via the comments section below.

Read the full review: Strymon Flint

Strymon Flint VS Keeley Hydra Comparison Section

Do you just want a quick and simple comparison of these two pedals? If so, use the compare tool below to see pricing and basic specs for both. For more detail, you can read on into the paragraphs below.

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We've posted two, carefully-selected audio demos of each pedal below, side-by-side:

Comparing the Specs

While there are subtle differences in the control scheme, the biggest feature difference is the presets in the Hydra, which are missing from the Flint.

Strymon Flint Details

The Strymon Flint has two separate bypass switches for each effect, allowing you to use them simultaneously or one at a time. You then get three algorithms per effect, which are switch selectable, with three controls on the reverb side and two on the tremolo side.

There are also secondary functions for each knob, which you can see here in this clip from Strymon's user manual:

In terms of tone, the Flint is a little more percussive and natural sounding, while the Hydra is deeper and more ethereal. Though it's also fair to say that both pedals sound appreciably similar. We'd argue the Flint is a tremolo pedal first and a reverb pedal second.

Keeley Hydra Details

We like that the Hydra uses more descriptive naming conventions for their effects, instead of "60s, 70s, and 80s" on the Flint's reverb selection switch. The Hydra goes with a clearer "spring, plate, and room", which is easier to work with.

It's also just a more ambient-sounding pedal, with more emphasis on reverb than we see in the Strymon Flint.

If you want to prioritize reverb, the Hydra is the better option.

And for $50 less, we like it just a little better in terms of tone and usability.

It also adds three user preset slots, which you don't have at all in the Flint.

Read more: Best reverb pedals

Comparison Summary

For those wanting an emphasis on tremolo, the Flint might be a stronger choice. But we personally like the Keeley Hydra because it seems to do better with reverb and puts more emphasis on the ethereal and ambient side of the two effects.

It's also about $50 cheaper than the Flint.

Combine that with the presence of the three user preset slots, and you have a rare occasion where a Strymon pedal loses one of these head-to-head comparisons.

In this one, we recommend saving a little money and going with the Keeley Hydra.

Questions and Comments

If you have questions about the Keeley Hydra or Strymon Flint, feel free to drop in via the comments section below and get in touch.

We'll help out as much as possible.

And if we can't help, we'll direct you to someone who can.

Hopefully we'll see you there.

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