Gateron CJ vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Gateron CJ and the KTT Hyacinth. The CJ offers a unique and enjoyable experience with its higher-pitched clacks and incredibly smooth push feel. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', these linear switches provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to eliminate the common issue of hard bottoming-out. With a commitment to balancing tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the Hyacinth features a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle', these linear switches offer a different but equally enticing typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and KTT Hyacinth have contrasting top housing materials. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In comparison, the Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound profile. However, both top housing materials are translucent, making them compatible with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ incorporates a POM material that produces a pleasing and unique sound profile. The sound is deeper and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the Hyacinth employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile compared to POM.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings of a switch are split between the two materials. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound when a key is released. Both the Gateron CJ and KTT Hyacinth offer unique sound experiences, with the CJ providing a clacky top end and a deeper, muted bottom out, and the Hyacinth offering a sharper, crisper top sound and a fuller, rounder bottom out.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the CJ requires slightly more force at 50 grams compared to the 45 grams required by the Hyacinth. Both switches fall into the medium category, making them suitable options for those who prefer a balanced typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the CJ switch has a heavier force of 60 grams, while the Hyacinth has a lighter force of 56 grams. This means that the CJ switch provides a more substantial push feel when pressing all the way down, while the Hyacinth offers a slightly lighter bottoming out sensation.
Consideration of weight is important as it plays a role in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Hyacinth, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the CJ switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Hyacinth linear switch. However, both switches provide a similar medium typing experience. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of the desired force and weight for an optimal typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The CJ switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth switch. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be more traditional, providing a comfortable depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Hyacinth switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the CJ switch with its longer travel distance may be a better choice. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch is well-known for its higher-pitched clacks and unique acoustic signature. This gives it a chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a more neutral sound profile. It doesn't have any specific descriptors or characteristics that stand out, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps being used, so individual results may vary. However, overall, if you're looking for a chirpy and distinctive sound, the Gateron CJ would be a great choice, while the KTT Hyacinth would provide a neutral and versatile sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel. It provides an enjoyable and gentle typing experience, falling into the mild category of switches. The CJ switch stands in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its qualities, making it approachable for most typists. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing a seamless and effortless feel. Additionally, the Hyacinth switch has a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel. It also doesn't produce a resonant sound, making it suitable for shared spaces. If you prefer a smooth and gentle typing experience, the CJ switch would be a good choice, while the Hyacinth switch takes it a step further by enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ switch provides a chirpy sound and an enjoyable, mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch has a neutral sound profile and offers an exceptionally smooth and subtly resistant typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics, giving typists options depending on their preferences. It's important to note that individual results may vary based on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you're looking for similar results, both switches fall into the neutral category in terms of sound, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, while the CJ switch falls into the mild category, the Hyacinth switch offers enhanced smoothness and reduced resistance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the choice between Gateron CJ linear switches and KTT Hyacinth linear switches, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a unique and enjoyable typing experience, characterized by higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, the CJ switches may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if your priority lies in a well-balanced switch design that aims to provide a comfortable typing experience with a 3.5mm travel distance and consistent force curve, the Hyacinth switches may be more suitable.
In terms of sound, the CJ switches offer a variety of options, including a chirpy sound that sets them apart, a neutral sound suitable for most purposes, a low-pitched bass-heavy tone, and a thocky sound producing a deep and satisfying sound. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches have a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the CJ switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users due to their safe middle-ground qualities. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, and also subtle, providing a gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider what type of typing experience you are looking for, whether you prioritize unique qualities or a well-balanced design, and whether the sound profile and resistance level are important factors for you. By taking these factors into consideration, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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