KTT Hyacinth vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. The KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch, is celebrated for its 3.5mm travel distance that alleviates the harsh bottoming-out sensation often encountered with switches featuring longer stems. This thoughtfully designed switch prioritizes user comfort, creating an optimal blend of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction through its unique single-stage elongated spring. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile experience that strikes a balance between subtle and moderate feedback. Known for its harmonious sound profile, the Weightlessness switch provides a more pronounced tactile sensation ideal for typists who appreciate a bit more texture in their keystrokes. While the Hyacinth is favored for its silky smooth operation and consistent force curve, the Weightlessness switches captivate those who enjoy the tactile dynamics of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns perfectly with your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, a notable distinction exists in their top housings. The Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and results in a deeper, fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing characteristics. This difference in materials means that while the Hyacinth may produce a more resonant sound when a key is released, the Weightlessness will deliver a more muted and rounded auditory experience, thus highlighting the individual qualities brought by each housing material.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon. This commonality in bottom housing results in shared acoustic qualities, as nylon absorbs sound effectively, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switch types during key presses. This means that despite the contrasting characteristics of their top housings, users can expect similar acoustic performance when the keys bottom out. The bottom housing's material plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience, making it the source of the tactile feel and the bulk of the audible feedback when fully actuated.
Overall, while the top housings of the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Weightlessness differ significantly, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to a convergence in one aspect of their performance. The Hyacinth’s polycarbonate contributes a crisp, bright sound, while the Weightlessness’s nylon creates a rounded, softer sound; however, both final experiences are linked through the nylon bottom housing that governs the key activation sound and feel. Therefore, these switches cater to different user preferences, with one appealing to those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback and the other to those who prefer a fuller, warmer sound profile during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Hyacinth features an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it a medium-light switch, while the Weightlessness requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch for extended use may gravitate towards the Hyacinth, as its lower actuation force may lead to less finger fatigue during long sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might favor the Weightlessness due to its heavier actuation force. Regarding bottom out forces, the Hyacinth has a measurable bottom out force of 56 grams, whereas the Weightlessness does not provide this information. As a result, users looking for a definitive bottoming out experience will find it in the Hyacinth. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the KTT Hyacinth is the lighter option, while the Gateron Weightlessness less so, pending the unknown for its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Weightlessness measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Weightlessness the shorter option, providing a marginally quicker response time that some gamers may prefer. On the other hand, the Hyacinth, with its longer travel distance, offers a slightly deeper feel, which could appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may hinge on your preference for responsiveness versus tactile feedback, with the Hyacinth being better suited for those who favor a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth switch is characterized by its neutral profile, which features a moderate actuation force and sound level. This makes the switch versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a shared workspace. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Weightlessness switch is not specifically detailed. However, given its design geared towards providing a balanced experience, it can be expected to complement the tactile characteristics of the switch, likely resulting in a sound profile that is unobtrusive yet satisfying. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, which may further personalize the auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch excels with its silky smoothness that enhances typing fluency. This silky quality ensures minimal resistance during key presses and releases, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate an exceptionally smooth experience. Additionally, the Hyacinth offers a subtle resistance, which means that typing does not feel overly heavy or burdensome, making it suitable for long typing sessions and shared spaces alike. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Weightlessness switch is not explicitly stated, but its moderate tactile feedback implies a design that focuses on comfort and usability, potentially leading to a pleasant typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Hyacinth and Gateron Weightlessness switches offer appealing qualities for different users. The Hyacinth is a strong choice for individuals who prioritize a smooth typing experience without the harsh bottoming-out feeling, along with a neutral sound profile that fits well in various environments. In contrast, while the tactile feel of the Weightlessness is less defined, its balanced sound and subtle tactile feedback suggest a comfortable option for those who prefer a moderate tactile experience. Together, these switches reflect the diversity within mechanical keyboard switches, catering to varying preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and your intended usage. If you prefer a light and smooth experience with a moderate sound profile that ensures comfort while typing, the KTT Hyacinth is likely your best bet. Its unique 3.5mm travel distance helps prevent the jarring sensation of bottoming out, making it ideal for long typing sessions, whether at home or in a shared workspace. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile sensation accompanied by a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness would be a suitable choice for you. While it offers a subtle tactile feedback, it can provide a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud, making it perfect for those who prefer the feel of tactile switches but want to maintain a peaceful environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a silky, linear experience or a more noticeable tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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