KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Jupiter Red mechanical keyboard switches, there are several key differences to consider. The Hyacinth boasts a unique 3.5mm travel distance to prevent the hard bottoming-out experience often found in longer stem switches. With a single-stage elongated spring and a focus on tactile feedback and comfort, the Hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, subtle. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a smooth keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation and high-precision molds for a consistent typing experience. Categorized as polished, creamy, silky, mild, neutral, the Jupiter Reds are perfect for those who value a seamless feel while typing. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Jupiter Red, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches boast a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Hyacinth and the Jupiter Red feature nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize nylon for the bottom housing. The similarities in the bottom housing material of these switches suggest that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the differences lie in how these materials impact the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Understanding these nuances can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting between the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Jupiter Red based on their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch are quite similar, with both having an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth is 56 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Jupiter Red, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Hyacinth may feel easier to type on and provide a smoother typing experience overall, particularly for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red offers a bit more resistance, which some users may appreciate for a more substantial typing feel. In general, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches are minimal, so users can expect relatively similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier key press.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Jupiter Red may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference. Ultimately, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker keypresses, the Hyacinth would be the better choice, but if you prefer a longer travel distance for a more deliberate typing experience, the Jupiter Red may be the way to go.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red switches are described as neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various typing intents and purposes. This means that users can expect a comfortable typing experience with a balanced auditory output, regardless of whether they are new to mechanical keyboards or seasoned enthusiasts. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as silky, providing users with an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch offers a polished and creamy typing sensation, with a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches aim to provide users with a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Jupiter Red switches may have distinct characteristics in terms of feel, they both offer a neutral sound profile suitable for most users. Whether you prefer a silky typing experience with the Hyacinth switch or a polished, creamy feel with the Jupiter Red switch, both options provide a comfortable and consistent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and overall tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force and design features. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams and value a unique design with a 3.5mm travel distance, the KTT Hyacinth may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience with high-precision molds, the Gateron Jupiter Red could be the switch for you. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a variety of feel options to cater to different preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, preference for actuation force, and desired typing experience.
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