Durock Anubis vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, with the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, there are clear distinctions that cater to different preferences. The Anubis is celebrated for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a tactile feedback that is assertive and satisfying with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 stands out for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack' that offers a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking depth in auditory feedback. While the Anubis is ideal for those who enjoy a sharp tactility, the Hyacinth V2 excels in blending sound and performance seamlessly. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This leads to a duller and rounder sound, providing a tactile experience that appeals to many typists. The Anubis and Hyacinth V2 share this similarity in their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in this aspect.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Anubis features nylon while the Hyacinth V2 utilizes polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2 results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Anubis's nylon top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a preferred choice for switches that feature clear housing and RGB lighting. This difference in top housing material gives each switch its own unique sound profile, catering to different preferences among enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard. While both the Durock Anubis and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, they diverge in their top housing material with the Anubis employing nylon and the Hyacinth V2 utilizing polycarbonate. This contrast results in the Anubis offering a softer and rounder sound profile, while the Hyacinth V2 provides a sharper and crisper typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve the desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Hyacinth V2 has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light. The actuation force of the Anubis is not specified, whereas the Hyacinth V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Hyacinth V2 requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Anubis. The difference in weight between the two switches impacts the typing experience, with lighter switches allowing for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, we can see that the Anubis has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hyacinth V2 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can make a difference in the feel and response of the switch. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Hyacinth V2 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper, more pronounced keystroke may lean towards the Anubis with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 for $2.91.
The Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Anubis offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a satisfying tactile feedback, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 provides a crisp and clacky top-out sound. The Anubis has a neutral sound profile making it suitable for a variety of uses, while the Hyacinth V2's clacky sound is sharp, bright, and percussive. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis is characterized by its accented tactile feedback and polished finish, offering a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, with a silky smooth sensation and minimal resistance when pressing the keys. Both switches have a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel, but offer different levels of tactility and smoothness in typing.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Anubis provides a deep and pronounced tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, the Hyacinth V2 offers a crisp and clacky top-out sound with a creamy and frictionless typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying and distinct mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a more pronounced tactile feedback or a smoother typing experience in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Anubis tactile switch or the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a noticeable tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Anubis is the way to go. Its deep and resonant sound profile coupled with an accented and polished feel make it a great choice for those looking for a tactile switch with a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother, creamier typing experience with a distinct clacky sound, the Hyacinth V2 is the better option. Its long stem pole design ensures a crisp top-out sound in every stroke, offering a seamless blend of sound and performance for a more refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactility and sound (Anubis) or smoothness and acoustics (Hyacinth V2) in your mechanical keyboard setup.