Gateron Beer vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and KTT Hyacinth stand out as unique options to compare and contrast. The Gateron Beer tactile switch, inspired by the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offers a refreshing take on traditional switches with its translucent green housing. Known for its lightweight, easy-to-press nature and stepped tactility, the Beer switch provides a subtler tactile feel and emits a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch distinguishes itself with a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a more comfortable typing experience by avoiding harsh bottoming-out sensations. With a focus on a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the Hyacinth uses a single-stage elongated spring for a consistent force curve. While the Beer switch offers a more pronounced tactile experience, the Hyacinth provides a smoother and quieter typing experience. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and KTT Hyacinth both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal choices for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, thanks to their translucency. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The Beer uses polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, ensuring a consistent sound profile throughout the keypress. On the other hand, the Hyacinth utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than polycarbonate.
In terms of sound profile, the Gateron Beer and KTT Hyacinth both offer unique characteristics with their housing materials. The sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound of the polycarbonate top housing is maintained in both switches, providing a consistent typing experience in that regard. However, where they diverge is in the bottom housing material. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the crisp sound profile throughout the keypress, while the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more rounded typing experience. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of the switches.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer and KTT Hyacinth share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Beer ensures a consistent and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Hyacinth provides a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the crisp, sharp sound of the Beer or the deeper, more rounded sound of the Hyacinth. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. The Beer switch is lighter overall compared to the Hyacinth switch, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a different typing feel, catering to individuals who have specific preferences for the amount of force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quick response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, so in terms of actual usage, they would likely provide similar results. However, for those who have a preference for a slightly longer travel distance, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be the slightly longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference and the specific feel that each user is looking for in their keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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.
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, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a unique auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes without being too loud or distracting. 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.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy to press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a unique typing experience with two distinct stages in each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle resistance of the Hyacinth switch provides a gentle typing feel that is comfortable for long typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped typing experience, while the Hyacinth switch offers a neutral sound profile and a silky smooth, subtle typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches can provide satisfying results for different users. Whether one prefers the sharp clack of the Beer switch or the smooth subtlety of the Hyacinth switch, both options offer unique qualities that enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your needs. If you prefer a light actuation force and a unique, clacky sound profile, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a moderate actuation force, a smooth typing experience, and a subtle sound profile, the KTT Hyacinth switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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