Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch that provides a clacky sound and crisp tactility, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 is a linear switch with a deep 'clack' sound and smooth typing experience, making it a perfect choice for users who prioritize a seamless and satisfying keystroke. 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
43g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
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
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top and bottom housing, which provides a neutral sound profile that is neither dull nor crisp. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the PBT housing of the Bamboo Green may not offer the same level of clarity as polycarbonate, it still provides a well-balanced sound experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a significant role. The Bamboo Green's PBT housing is not translucent, which may limit the effects of RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2's polycarbonate top housing is clear and allows for the vibrant display of RGB lighting, making it a more visually appealing option for those seeking a flashy setup. The use of different housing materials in each switch also brings a unique feel when pressing down on the switch, with the qualities of the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials. While the PBT housing of the Bamboo Green may provide a more subtle sound profile, the polycarbonate housing of the Hyacinth V2 delivers a sharper and crisper sound that is complemented by its translucent appearance. Whether you prioritize sound quality or aesthetics, the choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific features you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role. The Bamboo Green has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, compared to the Hyacinth V2's 45 grams. However, the Bamboo Green has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Hyacinth V2 has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green provides a more significant push feel during typing, leading to a more substantial typing experience, while the Hyacinth V2 offers a slightly lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Hyacinth V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Bamboo Green. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the Hyacinth V2 offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Gamers may prefer the Hyacinth V2 for its faster actuation, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the depth and responsiveness of the keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch offers a distinctive clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Bamboo Green leaning towards a high-pitched tone, and the Hyacinth V2 delivering a more pronounced clack in each keystroke. The choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, as well as other factors like keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, offering a tactile experience with a noticeable bump and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with enhanced smoothness and responsiveness. While the Bamboo Green switch focuses on a sharp and polished tactile feedback, the Hyacinth V2 emphasizes a creamy and frictionless typing sensation. Choosing between these switches will depend on individual preference for the type of tactile feedback desired.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green provides a high-pitched and resonant sound with a stepped and sharp tactile feel, while the Hyacinth V2 delivers a clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper, more pronounced sound and tactile feedback, or a smoother, creamier typing experience, you can choose between these switches to tailor your keyboard setup to your preferences. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts seeking specific sound and feel profiles.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a clacky sound profile with crisp tactility and a medium bottom out force, the Bamboo Green may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force, a distinctive deep 'clack' sound, and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Hyacinth V2 would be a solid option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your desired typing experience.