Gateron Aliaz vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch, stand out as popular choices with unique features. The Aliaz switches excel in quiet environments such as offices due to their silent design and medium-heavy weight, offering a substantial feel to each keystroke for those who appreciate pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches differentiate themselves with a 3.5mm travel distance to provide a more comfortable typing experience by avoiding the hard bottoming-out sensation common in switches with longer stems. Additionally, the Hyacinth utilizes a single-stage elongated spring, deviating from the typical dual-stage elongated springs, for a more consistent force curve. Both switches offer their own set of benefits, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you determine the best switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Hyacinth both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, enhancing clarity and resonance in the sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches incorporating RGB lighting. However, the Aliaz differs in its bottom housing material, also using polycarbonate, while the Hyacinth opts for a nylon bottom housing. The nylon housing in the Hyacinth produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While both the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Hyacinth share the benefits of polycarbonate for their top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities means that the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the material of the bottom housing. In this case, the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a similar sharp and resonant sound to its top housing, while the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the KTT Hyacinth play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing feel of these switches. While both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The stiffer polycarbonate in the Aliaz creates a sharper and clearer sound, while the softer nylon in the Hyacinth produces a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users in selecting the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, it is clear that the Aliaz is heavier in both aspects. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. The Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. The difference in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Aliaz being heavier and the Hyacinth being medium-light, giving users the option to choose based on their typing style and comfort level. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier feel for their keyboarding experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth. The Aliaz's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Hyacinth's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers for faster response times. Both switches provide different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for either a deeper or faster typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is well-known for its quiet operation, making it suitable for office environments where noise can be a concern. With a medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz provides a satisfyingly substantial feel to each keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the audible click. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch distinguishes itself with a shorter 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to prevent the harsh bottoming-out sensation often associated with longer-stem switches. This decision reflects a commitment to achieving an optimal balance between tactile feedback, sound experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth also opts for a single-stage elongated spring over the dual-stage design for a more consistent force curve.
When it comes to sound, the Aliaz switch is described as producing a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. In contrast, the Hyacinth is characterized as neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various usage scenarios. The sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, both the Aliaz and Hyacinth switches are praised for providing a silky smooth typing experience. The Aliaz also offers a polished finish for a refined and sleek typing feel, while the Hyacinth is noted for its subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel without producing a resonant sound signature. Users can expect a similar level of smoothness and overall typing comfort from either switch due to their shared silky characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch excels in offering a quieter typing experience with a substantial feel, ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch prioritizes a balanced tactile feedback and user comfort with its shorter travel distance and single-stage spring design. Ultimately, both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the Aliaz favoring a more pronounced feedback and the Hyacinth focusing on a balanced feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you work in a quiet space like an office and prefer a medium-heavy weight with a pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a design focused on avoiding a hard bottoming-out experience while maintaining a balance between tactile feedback and comfort, the Hyacinth could be a more suitable option. Additionally, if you value a muted sound profile, the Aliaz would be preferable, whereas if you prefer a neutral sound profile, the Hyacinth would be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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