Kailh Berry vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the linear switches, the Kailh Berry and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Berry switch offers a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, accompanied by a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 stands out for its long stem pole design, providing a crisp top-out sound with a deep 'clack' that delivers a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy', this switch seamlessly blends sound and performance. Choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. 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
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, while they share the same material for their top housings, the Berry opts for a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Hyacinth V2's nylon bottom housing, which also absorbs more sound but creates a duller and rounder sound.
On the one hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Berry and the Hyacinth V2 both offer a classic switch housing material that influences the sound profile of the switches when typing. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the Berry goes a step further by utilizing nylon for its bottom housing, emphasizing a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Hyacinth V2. Conversely, the top housing material of the switches, polycarbonate, plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material for switches such as the Kailh Berry and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 can greatly impact the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound, the Berry distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Hyacinth V2. Understanding how each housing material affects the overall sound profile and typing experience can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch offer contrasting actuation and bottom out forces. The Berry switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the bottom out force is 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In comparison, the Hyacinth V2 switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. This means that the Hyacinth V2 switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke but also has a lighter bottom out force compared to the Berry switch. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Hyacinth V2 for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Berry for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for gaming due to their faster response times. However, the Berry switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth V2. If you prioritize a slightly deeper key press, the Berry switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shorter and more abrupt key press, the Hyacinth V2 switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, but the slight difference may cater to individual preferences.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a mellow and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive sound with a crisp and bright tone. Depending on your preference, the Berry switch will provide a deep and bass-heavy sound, while the Hyacinth V2 switch will offer a more sharp and snappy auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured typing experience, with noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch is known for its creamy and frictionless feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. While the Berry switch may provide a springy and chalk-like texture, the Hyacinth V2 switch will give users a polished and silky sensation, making it feel like gliding their fingers across the keys effortlessly.
Taking both sound and feel into consideration, if you prefer a low-pitched and bassy sound with a textured typing experience, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you appreciate a clacky sound profile with a creamy and polished feel that offers a silky and smooth typing experience, then the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch would be the perfect match for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a customized typing experience for enthusiasts seeking specific auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a typing experience that is springy and textured with a deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a crisp top-out sound with a deep 'clack' that offers a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience, the Hyacinth V2 switch could be the perfect fit. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Berry switch may be more suitable, whereas if you prefer a clacky sound, the Hyacinth V2 switch would be preferred. Finally, if you desire a textured feel, the Berry switch might be ideal, whereas if you prefer a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, or snappy feel, the Hyacinth V2 switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
