Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, providing a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 features a long stem pole for a crisp top-out sound in every stroke, offering a deep 'clack' that provides a resonant and satisfying acoustic feedback. While both switches are categorized as creamy, frictionless, and polished, the Aqua King is more subdued while the Hyacinth V2 is clacky and snappy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a smoother, more subtle typing experience with the Aqua King or a more pronounced and satisfying sound with the Hyacinth V2. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this common feature, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) takes it a step further by also using polycarbonate for the bottom housing. This ensures that the switch maintains a consistent sound profile throughout every keystroke, emphasizing the crispness and clarity associated with polycarbonate.
In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a different typing experience. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This choice of material gives the Hyacinth V2 a distinct feel compared to the Aqua King (V3), with a focus on a duller and rounder sound. While the Aqua King (V3) excels in maintaining a consistent crisp sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing, the Hyacinth V2 provides a unique typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a different sound profile that may appeal to a different audience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Aqua King (V3) offers a uniform crisp sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, perfect for those who prefer a sharper and higher-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, catering to typists who enjoy a softer and rounder sound profile. Both switches excel in their own right, offering diverse options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound and feel in their typing experience.
Weight
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch fall into the medium range for actuation force, with the Aqua King being slightly heavier at 46 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King is heavier at 62 grams while the Hyacinth is lighter at 52 grams. This means that the Aqua King provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Hyacinth offers a lighter touch that may be preferable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Aqua King leaning towards a heavier feel and the Hyacinth towards a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth, making it the longer option between the two. A 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness, while a 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower. Gamers may prefer the Aqua King for its slighter longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth for key presses. On the other hand, the Hyacinth may appeal to those seeking a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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.
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 Aqua King (V3) provides a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 gives off a clacky and sharp sound, with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. Both switches deliver distinct auditory feedback, with the Aqua King emphasizing a quieter experience while the Hyacinth V2 aims for a more pronounced and lively sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Hyacinth V2 share similar descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky, highlighting a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. These switches promise a luxurious sensation, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. The Hyacinth V2 also adds a snappy element to its feel, making the typing experience feel more responsive and alive. Overall, users can expect a premium tactile experience from both switches, characterized by a seamless and refined typing feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switches offer high-quality sound and feel attributes that cater to different preferences. While the Aqua King (V3) leans towards a subdued sound and a frictionless typing experience, the Hyacinth V2 excels in providing a clacky sound and an additional snappy feel. However, both switches feature a creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, ensuring a premium and enjoyable keystroke for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Aqua King (V3) or the Hyacinth V2, you can expect a top-tier mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you are seeking a switch that offers a frictionless, creamy typing experience with a subdued sound signature, the Aqua King (V3) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a crisp top-out sound and a blend of clacky and polished typing feel, the Hyacinth V2 could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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