KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch, and the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, present intriguing options for different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to prevent the common hard bottoming-out experience while striking a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i offers gentle tactility in each keystroke with a fairly muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet, professional settings. The Hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, and subtle, while the Mini i falls under bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle with a stepped feel. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs, but it's important to look beyond general descriptions to make the best decision for your specific typing style. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Mini i both feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with stiffer plastic bottom housings. However, while the Mini i utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, the Hyacinth incorporates polycarbonate for its top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The different materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Hyacinth allow for a unique combination of sound characteristics when typing on the switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing allows for the translucency needed for RGB lighting, making it a more visually appealing choice for those who prioritize customizable lighting effects. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i's nylon top housing does not offer the same level of translucency and RGB compatibility. However, both switches maintain a classic look and feel with their nylon bottom housings, providing a solid foundation for a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on whether the user values a sharper, crisper sound profile with RGB lighting capabilities (Hyacinth) or a deeper, fuller sound profile without RGB compatibility (Mini i).
While the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Mini i may differ in their choice of materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles. The split between the bottom and top housing materials in the Hyacinth allows for a diverse range of sound characteristics when typing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Mini i's consistent use of nylon in both housings ensures a consistent, deeper sound profile throughout typing. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages in sound quality and aesthetics, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth requires a slightly heavier touch compared to the Mini i. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, while the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In terms of weight, the Mini i is lighter, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Hyacinth provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we see that the Hyacinth has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Mini i's 3.4 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the overall typing experience. The Hyacinth offers a slightly deeper keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Mini i provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and sensitivity. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the chosen travel distance.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 the Gateron Mini i switches have a neutral profile, making them suitable for most purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, and whether used at home or in a professional setting. Factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth switch offers a silky and subtle typing experience, providing smoothness and minimal resistance during key presses. On the other hand, the Mini i switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a variety of tactile sensations ranging from spring-like feedback to gentle resistance. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a comfortable and responsive feel to the user.
In conclusion, while the Hyacinth and Mini i switches offer different tactile experiences, they both prioritize user comfort and typing satisfaction. The neutral sound profile of both switches ensures that they are suitable for various environments, while their unique feels cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a smooth and subtle typing experience or a bouncy and responsive one. Ultimately, choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and work environment. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a design focused on comfort and consistency, the KTT Hyacinth may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a quiet sound profile suitable for office use, the Gateron Mini i could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the setting in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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