KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Smoothie Silver both exemplify the qualities that enthusiasts seek but cater to different preferences in typing experience and sound profile. The KTT Hyacinth, with its distinctive 3.5mm travel distance, offers a unique design aimed at minimizing the jarring bottoming-out feeling that can occur with longer-stem switches. It strikes a balance between tactile feedback and user comfort, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a smooth, silky keystroke without overwhelming auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is designed for speed and responsiveness, boasting an all-POM construction and a feather-light touch that makes it ideal for fast typists and gamers. Its short travel distance and thocky sound provide a robust auditory experience, attracting users who enjoy a more pronounced key press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, notable differences emerge particularly in their top housings. The Hyacinth utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is advantageous for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver boasts a top housing made of POM, which is characterized by a deeper and more muted sound. While polycarbonate excels in creating a crisper sound, the POM material in the Smoothie Silver tends to yield a sound profile that is more subdued and rounded, setting a distinctly different auditory experience.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon and POM for their bottom housings, respectively. The Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature which absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. This results in a generally duller and rounder auditory sensation during typing. Meanwhile, the Smoothie Silver’s POM bottom housing is described similarly; it offers a pleasing sound but remains on the muted side. Despite the varied materials used for the top housings, the bottom housings for both switches share a common ground in their soft texture, allowing for a deeper sound output that enhances the overall textural feel of typing.
Overall, the combination of different materials in both switches demonstrates how each element contributes uniquely to the final auditory experience, with the top housing significantly influencing the release sound and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out feel. Users can expect distinct sound profiles based on the choice of switch; with the Hyacinth providing a sharp and bright typing experience while the Smoothie Silver offers a more muted and warm yield. Nevertheless, despite their material differences, the shared characteristics of the nylon and POM configurations ultimately accentuate the nuanced distinctions in both switches, catering to varying preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which means they provide a similar level of resistance when it comes to triggering a keystroke. This similarity suggests users will experience comparable ease of use when actuating either switch, making them both suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth is 56 grams, indicating it has a more substantial feel at the end of the keypress. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has an unknown bottom out force, leaving uncertainty regarding how it feels when fully depressed. While the Hyacinth has a heavier bottom out experience, both switches share the same actuation force, catering to those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. Ultimately, if a user values a more substantial feedback when bottoming out, the KTT Hyacinth may be the better choice due to its defined bottom out force of 56 grams.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Hyacinth offers a bit more depth when pressing the key, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's 3.4 mm travel distance aligns more with the growing trend of shorter distances favored by gamers for increased responsiveness and quicker actuation. Consequently, if you value rapid response times and prefer a more abrupt feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be your best choice. Conversely, if you appreciate a bit more travel for a hearty keystroke, the KTT Hyacinth would be the better option. Despite the minimal difference, those who prefer more depth will appreciate the Hyacinth's longer travel, while those looking for immediate feedback will benefit from the Smoothie Silver's shorter 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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
When comparing the sound profile of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Hyacinth's sound characteristics are not explicitly detailed, but it is designed to offer a balanced auditory experience that avoids the jarring noise often associated with bottoming out. This suggests a more muted sound, possibly leaning towards being subtle. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver is known for its thocky sound, characterized by a deep and rich tone that provides a satisfying auditory feedback when a key is pressed or released. Its low-pitched nature contributes to a mellow tone that can be quite pleasing to the ears, particularly in a more relaxed or shared environment. Thus, while both switches may fit comfortably in quieter settings, the Smoothie Silver offers a more pronounced acoustic experience.
In terms of tactile feel, the KTT Hyacinth is celebrated for its silky smoothness and subtle resistance, presenting a gentle, almost effortless typing sensation. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a light touch without excessive feedback. The design mitigates hard bottoming out, contributing to a more comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts a buttery and creamy feel, lending itself to an exceptionally smooth, fluid keystroke experience. This enhanced smoothness is likely attributed to either the materials used or factory lubrication, further promoting the satisfying sensation of gliding over the keys. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with varied textures.
In conclusion, while the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches both offer a smooth typing experience, they cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Hyacinth emphasizes a more muted acoustics with silky resistance, making it a good choice for quiet environments. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver provides a thocky sound and a buttery, creamy feel that enhances the tactile feedback for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience. Depending on your choices in keycaps and board materials, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing results, but they may excel in distinct areas that could influence your personal preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you desire from your keyboard. If you appreciate a medium-light bottom-out feel, a smooth and silky typing experience, and a more subdued but pleasant sound profile, the KTT Hyacinth is likely the better option for you. It strikes a balance by minimizing the harsh bottoming-out sensation, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while also providing a subtle feedback that enhances overall comfort. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers extremely quick actuation with a buttery-smooth feel and a thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be your ideal choice. This switch shines in situations where rapid key presses are needed, such as in gaming or in competitive environments, and its creamy texture can make your typing feel like a breeze. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize a serene typing experience with a focus on comfort and subtleness or a more exhilarating and responsive action paired with pleasing acoustics.
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