KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Luciola. The Hyacinth stands out with its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a comfortable typing experience without the common issue of bottoming-out. It also deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring, ensuring a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Luciola switches catch attention with their glow-in-the-dark feature, adding a touch of visual appeal to your setup. They offer a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and produce a distinctive hollow sound profile akin to a can of spray paint being shaken. The Hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, and subtle, while the Luciola is characterized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities and explore the specific qualities of each switch to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as "clacky." This sound profile offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound without being overly sharp.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth incorporates a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Luciola employs a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This blend of materials offers a thin and higher-pitched sound, similar to the top housing.

In summary, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Hyacinth and Luciola differ, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. Similarly, the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Luciola provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the bottom housing contributes to its clacky nature. Ultimately, the specific qualities each housing material brings to the switch can be experienced in different aspects of typing, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Hyacinth has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Luciola's actuation force of 55 grams, making the Luciola require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Hyacinth has a lighter 56-gram bottom out force, while the Luciola has a slightly heavier 60-gram bottom out force.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth would be a suitable option. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for a smoother and easier keystroke, ideal for typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions without excessive finger fatigue.

On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience might lean towards the Luciola. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, typing on the Luciola provides a stronger push feel, giving a satisfying feedback response with each keystroke. This can be particularly appealing to those seeking a more tactile and responsive typing experience.

Overall, when considering the actuation force and bottom out force, the Hyacinth is lighter in both aspects compared to the Luciola. However, depending on personal preferences, both switches offer unique advantages and can provide a satisfactory typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm or shallow 3.0 mm options. Shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Hyacinth a suitable choice in this scenario. However, some individuals may find short travel distances too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Luciola. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness or a deeper keystroke feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch is best described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. It is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch offers a few different sound profiles. It can be clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It can also be chirpy, with a slight squeak to it, or marbly, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. Additionally, it can have a high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle. Silky switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Subtle switches have a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Hyacinth switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch has a snappy feel, which means it is super responsive. This responsiveness can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. The Luciola switch can also be described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it can have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Luciola switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth switch has a neutral sound profile, while the Luciola switch can have clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sounds. In terms of feel, the Hyacinth switch is silky and subtle, offering a smooth typing experience with gentle resistance. The Luciola switch, on the other hand, is snappy and buttery, providing a highly responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Although they have different qualities, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience for users. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose the switch that aligns with your desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Luciola linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a design that prioritizes tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, then the Hyacinth may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are someone who appreciates switches with a medium bottom out force that offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with an eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, then the Luciola could be the switch for you. Consider your desired sound profile, with the Hyacinth providing a neutral sound and the Luciola offering options like clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profiles. Additionally, think about the desired typing feel, with the Hyacinth offering a silky or subtle feel and the Luciola providing options like snappy, buttery, or polished typing experiences. Ultimately, make your decision based on your personal preferences and the specific characteristics that align with your needs and desires.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more