KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Red are two popular options to consider. The Hyacinth stands out with its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Additionally, the Hyacinth utilizes a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve, deviating from the mainstream trend of dual-stage springs. On the other hand, the Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it perfect for those with a lighter typing style. The Ink Reds offer a satisfyingly smooth experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile, while remaining effortless to type on. Both switches fall under the linear category and are often described as neutral and silky. 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
56g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Red lies in their composition. The Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Red features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While still providing a satisfying clackiness, the Ink Red's top housing is not overly sharp, creating a unique sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth incorporates a nylon material, known for its classic switch housing. Nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This gives the switch a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's INK blend for its bottom housing as well. Similar to the top housing, the proprietary blend results in a pointed and high-pitched sound, contributing to the switch's clacky nature.
However, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in its overall sound and feel. While the bottom housing largely impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, although the materials used in the top and bottom housings may differ between the Hyacinth and the Ink Red, the overall user experience may be similar in terms of their respective sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This results in a consistent and responsive typing experience for users of either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Hyacinth has a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that it requires a slightly lighter touch to fully press down the keys on the Hyacinth switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is also considered medium but slightly heavier than the Hyacinth. This means that the Ink Red switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a little more force to fully press down the keys.
The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and value being able to type for longer periods without fatigue, the Hyacinth switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if a user prefers a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel, the Ink Red switch would be a suitable option. Both switches offer reliable actuation forces and can provide satisfying typing experiences, but the slight difference in bottom out force allows users to choose the level of resistance that suits their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference in the distance they travel from top to bottom. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Red, with its slightly longer travel distance, falls within the more traditional range of 4.0 mm. On the other hand, the Hyacinth offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be favored by gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth can provide a more responsive feel. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the Ink Red may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either a shorter, more responsive experience or a longer, more deliberate feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Red switches fall under the category of "neutral" switches. This means that they have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, or if you are planning to use these switches at home or work, you can expect a moderate sound level from both options. 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.
As for the feel, both switches offer a silky typing experience. A silky switch refers to a switch that provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience for both the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Red switches. Additionally, the Ink Red switch is described as having a mild typing experience, which means it offers a gentle resistance compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Hyacinth, on the other hand, is described as having a subtle typing experience, meaning it has a gentle resistance that is not too feather-light. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel without being overly resistant.
In conclusion, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Red switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both fall into the category of neutral switches with a moderate sound profile. Additionally, they both provide a silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to either the KTT Hyacinth or the Gateron Ink Red, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel. However, it is worth considering other factors such as personal preference, keyboard board, and keycap choices to further tailor the experience to your liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and values a design choice that focuses on tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, then the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Hyacinth's 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring create a consistent force curve and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, if you are someone who appreciates a switch with a smooth typing feel and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, the Hyacinth's silky and subtle characteristics will enhance your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are someone with a lighter typing style and prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a suitable option for you. The Ink Reds offer a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. These switches are effortless to type on and are suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the Ink Reds also have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for use at home or work.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Ink Red will depend on your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, typing style, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique features and qualities that cater to different needs.
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