KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch, with the Gateron Mountain Top, another linear switch, it is clear that each offers unique features catering to different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, aimed at providing a balanced tactile feedback and auditory experience while prioritizing user comfort. In contrast, the Mountain Top switches by Gateron are designed for discreet typing in office environments, offering a quiet yet light actuation. The Hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, subtle, while the Mountain Top is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, subtle. Both switches have their own strengths, but delving deeper into the specifics will help you decide on the best switch for your individual needs.
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 housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Mountain Top switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound with its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. Both materials have their own advantages, with polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound ideal for RGB lighting, while nylon offers a rounder and duller sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Hyacinth and the Mountain Top switches utilize nylon, which again leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muffled bottom-out sound. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches demonstrates a shared emphasis on creating a tactile and immersive typing experience for users. Despite using different top housings, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound and feel throughout the keystroke process.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials between the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Mountain Top switches showcase the unique sound profiles that each material can offer. While polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound, nylon delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a clear, resonant sound or a muffled, rounder sound, both switches offer a range of options for users seeking a customizable and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top is the lighter of the two options. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top requires a lighter touch, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the Hyacinth requires slightly more force to press down fully. When considering weight, individuals who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Mountain Top for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more robust typing feel may lean towards the Hyacinth. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience each switch provides.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, as both are considered relatively short travel distances. Whether you choose the Hyacinth or Mountain Top switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer 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 Mountain Top 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
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. The Hyacinth switch provides a silky and subtle typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and minimal resistance, while the Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel, catering to those who prefer a light and responsive typing experience. Overall, while the sound profiles of both switches are similar, they differ in terms of feel, with the Hyacinth focusing on smoothness and subtlety, and the Mountain Top emphasizing responsiveness and light actuation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the specific environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a medium-light bottom out force, a 3.5mm travel distance for a balanced tactile feedback, and a consistent force curve with a silky and subtle typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a focus on discretion with quiet typing experience, and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be the better option for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider how these factors align with your typing style and environment to choose the switch that will enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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