Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that provides a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 is a linear switch known for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack', offering a satisfying acoustic experience for enthusiasts seeking depth in their keyboard's auditory feedback. While the Blue Lotus boasts a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, the Hyacinth V2 stands out for its seamless blend of sound and performance. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Blue Lotus uses a modified PC & UPE Blend for its top housing, which gives it a premium and unique feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 opts for a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches prioritize sound quality, but the Blue Lotus may offer a more premium feel while the Hyacinth V2 focuses on achieving a specific sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing.
Additionally, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both the Blue Lotus and the Hyacinth V2 featuring nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar sound profile in terms of depth and fullness when typing on these switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with a rich and immersive sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Blue Lotus and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 plays a crucial role in determining their sound profiles and overall feel. While the Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing for a unique and premium feel, the Hyacinth V2 opts for a polycarbonate top housing to achieve a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. Whether you prefer a premium feel or a specific sound profile, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is heavier overall. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Hyacinth V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The actuation force of the Blue Lotus requires a more significant initial push compared to the Hyacinth V2, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 provides a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The Blue Lotus offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Hyacinth V2, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switch is recognized for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each press. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, with the Blue Lotus offering a deeper tone while the Hyacinth V2 delivers a crisper sound.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Lotus switch is characterized as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a tactile experience that is responsive and engaging. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, delivering a smooth and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. While the Blue Lotus focuses on tactile intensity and responsiveness, the Hyacinth V2 offers a buttery and refined typing experience that minimizes resistance.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switch excels in providing a tactile and visually appealing typing experience with its snappiness and vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switch stands out for its deep clack sound and creamy, frictionless feel that enhances the overall typing smoothness. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying and customizable mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes tactile feedback and visual aesthetics (Blue Lotus) or sound quality and typing smoothness (Hyacinth V2).
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you value a tactile and snappy typing experience with a striking visual appeal and a bassy sound profile, the Blue Lotus would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a clacky top-out sound and minimal friction, the Hyacinth V2 would exceed your expectations. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience and sound profile you find most enjoyable. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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