KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Ink Black V2 both offer their own unique qualities worth considering. The Hyacinth stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to strike the perfect balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. With a commitment to avoiding the hard bottoming-out experience commonly found in switches with longer stems, it utilizes a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a long-time community favorite known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. It offers a classic linear switch experience that is categorized as low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished. Choosing the right switch ultimately depends on individual preferences, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch best suits your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ significantly. The Hyacinth boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed, relatively high-pitched, and clacky sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing is especially favorable for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth utilizes a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Black V2 incorporates its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which aligns with the top housing's pointed and higher-pitched sound profile. This blend creates a satisfying thin sound that is often described as being clacky.

In terms of functionality, when pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's qualities come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing has more impact on the sound that is produced when releasing a key. While the two switches offer different housing materials, they provide similar results in terms of sound profiles, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and needs.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Hyacinth has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ink Black V2's 60 grams. This means that the Hyacinth switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, allowing for a lighter and potentially faster typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Ink Black V2 boasts a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Ink Black V2 switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down the key. Despite the differences in force, both switches fall within the medium weight range, with the Hyacinth being on the lighter end and the Ink Black V2 on the heavier end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences - those looking for a lighter feel may opt for the Hyacinth, while others seeking a stronger push feel may lean towards the Ink Black V2.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we can see that there is a slight difference between the two. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. These distances suggest that the Ink Black V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0mm is considered the most shallow. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more prevalent recently, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. In this case, choosing the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance may offer a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, and if this is the case, they may prefer the Ink Black V2 with its longer travel distance, which provides a sense of depth. Overall, the decision between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth can be described as a neutral switch, offering a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. It offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a unique chirpy acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Hyacinth switch provides a silky typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also has a subtle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces as it doesn't produce a resonant sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The Ink Black V2 can also be described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Hyacinth provides a neutral sound and a silky, subtle typing feel that minimizes resistance and produces a non-resonant sound suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy sound with a unique chirpy acoustic signature. It also provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. These switches offer different experiences and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. However, both switches are designed to offer a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. With either choice, you can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and performance.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be an excellent choice. Its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance ensures a comfortable typing experience without the harsh bottoming-out feeling often associated with longer stem switches. Additionally, the Hyacinth's use of a single-stage elongated spring provides a more consistent force curve.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be a great fit for you. With its smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, this classic linear switch has gained popularity within the community. Furthermore, its mild characteristics make it approachable for most users, while the polished finish ensures a sleek typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Black V2 depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as typing force, sound profile, and overall typing feel when making your decision. Both switches offer their respective unique qualities, providing you with a customized and enjoyable typing experience. In the end, trust your instincts and choose the switch that resonates with you the most.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more