Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of each option. The Gateron Glory Yellow is known for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, providing a smooth keystroke that ensures an enjoyable typing experience with its optimal travel distance. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth stands out for its innovative design, featuring a 3.5mm travel distance aimed at minimizing the hard bottoming-out sensation that can occur with longer-stemmed switches. This thoughtful adjustment not only enhances tactile feedback and auditory pleasure but also prioritizes user comfort. Additionally, the Hyacinth’s use of a single-stage elongated spring contributes to a more consistent force curve, setting it apart from the prevalent dual-stage options. While both switches cater to the linear switch preference, each offers distinctive benefits — the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who appreciate a robust feel, while the Hyacinth targets those seeking a refined and subtler typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Hyacinth switches present an intriguing comparison of housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and user experience. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer and more absorbent nature. This characteristic lends an overall warmth and roundness to the typing experience, as the nylon essentially dampens the sound, leading to a more muted auditory response when keys are released. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth employs a polycarbonate top housing, which yields a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity enhances resonance, resulting in a higher-pitched sound that is often perceived as clearer. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the divergence in top housing materials creates distinctly different auditory experiences.
Another point of comparison lies in the implications of housing material on lighting aesthetics and user preference. The polycarbonate housing of the KTT Hyacinth, known for its translucency, provides an ideal canvas for RGB lighting effects, amplifying the visual flair of a keyboard setup. This makes the Hyacinth particularly appealing for users who prioritize both sound and aesthetics in their keyboard configurations. The nylon top housing of the Gateron Glory Yellow, while effective in sound dampening, does not offer the same level of light transmission. As a result, users who value RGB lighting may prefer the KTT Hyacinth, while those who favor a warmer typing experience might lean toward the Glory Yellow. Hence, while both switches possess nylon bottom housings that contribute similarly to sound when pressing the keys, their top housings diverge significantly in terms of auditory quality and visual performance.
Ultimately, the differentiation of housing materials presents a spectrum of user experiences, even when using similar bottom housing materials. When typing on these switches, users will feel the pronounced characteristics of the nylon bottom housing, which enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile while bottoming out. However, the top housing's material will define the auditory quality upon key release. The Gateron Glory Yellow provides a mellower sound due to its nylon top housing, while the KTT Hyacinth's polycarbonate top creates a more vibrant auditory experience. While both switches may feel similar in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, they cater to different preferences through their unique top housing characteristics, emphasizing the impact of material selection in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Hyacinth is lighter at 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming might lean towards the Hyacinth for its less demanding keystroke. However, the Glory Yellow’s unknown bottom out force makes it challenging to fully assess its overall feel during extended use. In contrast, the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, classifying it as medium-light, which provides a more substantial feel when registering a keystroke. Overall, while the Glory Yellow may offer a more moderate actuation feel, the Hyacinth presents a combination of a lighter actuation with a defined bottom out force, catering well to users seeking comfort without compromising feedback. Thus, if one values a softer actuation, the KTT Hyacinth would be a more favorable choice, whereas those who prefer a firmer response might find the Gateron Glory Yellow appealing, despite its unspecified bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we see a clear distinction: the Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hyacinth measures at 3.5 mm. This 0.5 mm difference indicates that the Glory Yellow offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may appreciate for its hearty depth, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance caters to gamers and users looking for quicker response times and a more rapid actuation, although it may feel more abrupt for those who enjoy a fuller key travel. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the KTT Hyacinth would be the better choice, while those seeking a more pronounced typing experience might favor the Gateron Glory Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When considering the sound of the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Hyacinth linear switches, the Glory Yellow does not have a specified sound profile but is generally appreciated for its smooth keystrokes, which typically lend themselves to a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various settings, whether you're at home or in an office. The moderate sound level of the Hyacinth enhances its suitability for both beginners and more experienced users. It is important to note that the sound characteristics of any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard case and the keycaps used, which means users can achieve a preferred auditory experience through carefully selected components.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch is known for its smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience. This aligns quite closely with the feel of the KTT Hyacinth, which is described as having a silky smoothness that enhances the typing experience. The Hyacinth also boasts a subtle resistance, allowing for a lighter typing feel without being overly feather-light. Both switches promise minimal resistance during key presses and releases, though the Hyacinth's choice of a single-stage elongated spring may provide a more consistent force curve compared to the dual-stage spring often found in other switches.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Hyacinth linear switches are likely to deliver smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, there are nuances in their sound and feel that may appeal to different users. The Hyacinth offers a slightly more refined sound profile and feel due to its unique design choices, while the Glory Yellow provides its own satisfying keystroke without a distinct sound attribute. Either way, users can expect a rewarding tactile experience from both, making them suitable for a range of applications, from casual typing to heavier daily use.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch will largely depend on your preferences concerning typing feel, sound, and the overall experience you seek. If you value a smooth keystroke and a light touch with a low bottom-out force, the Gateron Glory Yellow could be an excellent option for you, especially if you enjoy long typing sessions where fatigue can be a concern. However, if you prefer a more balanced experience that emphasizes user comfort without the harsh bottoming out, the KTT Hyacinth is designed to provide a silky feel with its distinctive 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage spring that promotes consistent resistance. Moreover, the neutral sound profile of the Hyacinth makes it versatile for both home and office environments, making it a fantastic choice if you need to be mindful of noise levels. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, desired sound environment, and comfort preference, ensuring that you choose the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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