KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options to consider are the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The Hyacinth stands out for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to strike a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink switches are known for their smoothness and lighter typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack. While both switches offer their own advantages, such as the Hyacinth's commitment to a consistent force curve and the Ink Box Pink's polished feel, it's essential to delve deeper to determine which switch suits your preferences best.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Box Pink offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the sound and feel of the switches. The Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which yields a pointed, relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound profile.

While both the Hyacinth and the Ink Box Pink employ different materials for their top housings, they produce similar thin and higher-pitched sounds. However, the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a satisfying clacky sound that some users may prefer. Overall, both switches deliver distinct sound profiles attributed to their respective top housings.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, offering a pointed, relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both switches deliver a satisfying clacky sound that some users may find appealing.

It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Hyacinth or the Ink Box Pink, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Hyacinth and the Ink Box Pink differ in their materials, they ultimately contribute to a similar overall experience when typing or gaming.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The KTT Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it medium-light in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range.

For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth may be the preferred choice, as its actuation force and bottom out force are both lower than the Gateron Ink Box Pink. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods of time, such as during work or long gaming sessions.

However, for those who prefer a more substantial push and a stronger tactile feedback, the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be the better option. With its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, this switch provides a more robust typing experience.

In terms of weight, the KTT Hyacinth is lighter than the Gateron Ink Box Pink, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a heavier typing experience, which may be favored by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.

In summary, while both switches have medium actuation and bottom out forces, the KTT Hyacinth provides a lighter touch compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, with lighter switches being better for extended typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times. If you are someone who values quick responsiveness, the Hyacinth switch with its 3.5 mm travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth. In this case, the Ink Box Pink switch with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm might be more suitable. Overall, while the travel distances of these switches differ slightly, both options offer a similar experience and provide the benefits associated with shorter travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most intents and 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 Box Pink linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you prefer a switch with a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Ink Box Pink might be a better choice for you. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches are described as silky. This means that they offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, both switches have a subtle resistance, which is gentle but still maintains a light typing feel. The Ink Box Pink switch is also described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or the factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.

Overall, the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches have different sound profiles, with the Hyacinth being neutral and the Ink Box Pink being clacky and high-pitched. However, both switches offer a silky typing experience with minimal resistance. If you are looking for a switch with a moderate sound profile and versatile use, the Hyacinth is a good choice. If you prefer a switch with a sharp and crisp sound and a lighter typing feel, the Ink Box Pink might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the final choice should consider personal preferences, as well as other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a unique design choice, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be a great option for you. With its 3.5mm travel distance and a single-stage elongated spring, it offers a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Moreover, it provides a silky and subtle feel, ensuring smooth key travel and minimal resistance when typing.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a perfect fit. These switches are known for their smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. The Ink Box Pink also offers a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. The combination of its sound and feel characteristics provides a crisp and bright auditory experience.

Overall, the decision between the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Box Pink ultimately depends on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and design. Both switches have their unique qualities and are suitable for different typing experiences. Consider these factors and choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience and overall preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more