KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Oil King, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Hyacinth stands out for its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a comfortable typing experience without the unwanted hard bottoming-out sensation. With a commitment to balancing tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the Hyacinth utilizes a single-stage elongated spring, offering a consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Oil King is known for its smooth operation, providing a buttery smoothness that is reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. With a sound profile categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished, the Oil King offers a delightful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Oil King housing materials provide distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its stiffer plastic creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the switch's visual appeal. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Its softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This offers a unique typing experience for those who enjoy a softer and more immersive sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth and Oil King both utilize nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Thus, regardless of whether one chooses the Hyacinth or the Oil King, the bottom-out sound and feel will showcase a similar quality. This ensures a consistent typing experience for users who value a rich and resonant sound while typing.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Hyacinth and Oil King, each contributes to specific aspects of the switch's sound. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound produced when you release a key. So, while the Hyacinth may have a crisper and higher-pitched release sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing provides a satisfying thin and clacky sound upon key release. These variations allow users to choose the sound profile that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Hyacinth is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Oil King is slightly heavier at 55 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Hyacinth has a force of 56 grams, while the Oil King requires 65 grams. These differences indicate that the Hyacinth provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for individuals who prefer extended periods of typing or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a heavier push feel, creating a more substantial typing experience for those seeking a stronger push force. It is important to consider your personal preferences and the intended use of the keyboard before deciding between the two, as the actuation and bottom out forces directly impact the overall typing experience. However, if both switches are remotely similar in terms of their forces, one can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, we can see that the Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be the more traditional option, providing a deeper and more satisfying key press. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Hyacinth is slightly shorter, which makes it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a keyboard with a more responsive feel, the Hyacinth would be the better option. However, if you enjoy the sensation of a deeper key press, the Oil King would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 is known for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which helps to avoid a hard bottom-out experience that is common with switches with longer stems. This design decision is driven by a commitment to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. As for the sound profile, the Hyacinth is described as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is highly regarded for its buttery smoothness and a low-pitched sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. The Oil King switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a deep and rich sound characterized by a lower frequency range. The creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience of the Oil King is due to the application of lubricant at the factory and the use of specific materials. The switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In comparing the two switches, it's important to note that both the Hyacinth and the Oil King offer a silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the keystrokes and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches seem to deliver a similar level of smoothness and comfort to the user. Additionally, while the sound profiles differ between the two switches, they both offer enjoyable and unique auditory experiences.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Oil King switches have their own distinct qualities. The Hyacinth focuses on creating an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, with a neutral sound profile and a silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Oil King switches prioritize smoothness and richness in both sound and feel, offering a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile and a creamy, silky typing experience. Whether one prefers the balanced experience of the Hyacinth or the buttery smoothness of the Oil King, both switches provide a high-quality experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a design that prioritizes tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is the way to go. Its 3.5mm travel distance helps prevent a hard bottoming-out experience and provides an ideal balance. Additionally, the use of a single-stage elongated spring ensures a consistent force curve. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, and a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the perfect choice. With its low-pitched and bassy sound, as well as its silky, creamy, and polished feel, you'll enjoy a rich and seamless typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the Hyacinth and Oil King will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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