Gateron Glory Red vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often gravitate towards unique options that can enhance their typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red switches, known for their lighter feel, provide a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, making them a popular choice for users seeking a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth switches, while also linear, distinguish themselves with their distinct 3.5mm travel distance, designed to mitigate the hard bottoming-out that can be common with longer-stem switches. This careful design emphasizes a balanced combination of tactile feedback, auditory satisfaction, and user comfort. Additionally, the Hyacinth's use of a single-stage elongated spring allows for a more consistent force curve, appealing to those who prioritize stability in their keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences in user experience; the Glory Red for those who prefer a lighter, smoother touch and the Hyacinth for users who appreciate a well-rounded tactile experience without harsh bottoming out. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Hyacinth switches reveal a fundamental contrast in how sound and responsiveness are characterized in mechanical keyboard switches. The Gateron Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. This trait contrasts starkly with the KTT Hyacinth’s polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for generating a sharper, crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound quality, creating a distinction that could significantly alter the typing experience for users who prioritize acoustic feedback.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housing materials of both switches, there is a notable similarity between the two. Both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Hyacinth employ nylon for their bottom housing. As a result, the bottom housing characteristics of both switches will contribute a deeper and rounder sound profile when bottoming out, enhancing the experience for users who appreciate a muted keypress. This shared nylon component suggests that regardless of the stark difference in top housing materials, both switches will provide a similarly rich auditory experience at the bottom end of their travel.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in these switches illustrates how sound profiles are influenced by both parts. The nylon bottom housing in both switches will encourage a bulkier sound during the key press, while the differing top materials will dictate the acoustic properties at the release. Consequently, for users seeking a unique typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red would deliver a more uniform sound with a deeper resonance, while the KTT Hyacinth would enhance clarity and lightness during actuation, showcasing how the interplay of materials within each switch can lead to varied yet satisfying auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we find some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, providing a consistent experience for users who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differs considerably; the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which contributes to a heavier overall feel when pressing the key all the way down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, making it difficult to compare in that aspect. Therefore, although both switches feel equally light up to the actuation point, the Hyacinth delivers a more substantial resistance when fully depressed, making it the heavier option overall. Users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience may lean towards the KTT Hyacinth, while the Gateron Glory Red might appeal more to those seeking a consistently lighter touch throughout their typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red and the KTT Hyacinth linear switches, the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hyacinth measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm translates to the Glory Red providing a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on a key, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times with each keystroke. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, meaning users may find similar results in terms of overall key feel; however, the Glory Red will offer a touch more depth, whereas the Hyacinth leans towards a more responsive experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch produces a sound profile that is generally quiet and unobtrusive, ideal for those who prefer a low-noise typing environment. The Hyacinth, on the other hand, offers a neutral sound, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a balanced acoustic profile. This makes it versatile enough for various settings, catering to both beginners and advanced users alike. Ultimately, while the Glory Red leans towards a quieter experience, the Hyacinth’s neutral tone ensures it won't be a distracting presence in shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch is designed to deliver a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth excels with its silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience while also embracing subtle resistance for a light touch. The Hyacinth's unique single-stage elongated spring contributes to a consistent force curve, allowing for greater user comfort and reducing the hard bottoming-out sensation often felt with longer-stem switches. Both switches, though differing in their emphasis on smoothness and resistance, promise an overall satisfying tactile experience.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Hyacinth linear switches cater to users seeking a refined typing experience, they each bring unique attributes to the table. The Glory Red focuses on delivering a quieter sound and smooth keystroke, while the Hyacinth's design choices prioritize a neutral auditory experience and enhance tactile feedback with its silky feel. Both offer a solid choice for newcomers, ensuring a positive transition into the world of mechanical keyboards, whether you lean towards a quieter operation or a more balanced sound experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red and KTT Hyacinth linear switches primarily hinges on your personal preference and typing environment. If you prefer an exceptionally smooth keystroke with a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Red could be the better option for you, especially if you're looking for an enjoyable typing experience without the worry of a clunky bottoming out. However, if you lean towards a more balanced and consistent typing experience, particularly with a medium-light bottoming force and a unique 3.5mm travel distance that minimizes harsh bottoming out, the KTT Hyacinth is likely a better fit. The Hyacinth not only promotes a silky typing feel but also offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for both home and work environments. Ultimately, consider your typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and the settings where you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
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