Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, with the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, a linear switch, one can see the contrast between the two. The Blue Lotus switch is known for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm for a snappy feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U offers a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a more traditional typing experience with added bounciness from its 22mm spring. While the Blue Lotus switch boasts vibrant RGB illumination and a marked tactile feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch offers a softer, bassier sound signature and a blend of old and new elements. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
3.90 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall feel and sound profile of the switches. The Blue Lotus has a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a premium and unique feel, while the Hyacinth V2U features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from their respective top housings in terms of aesthetics and sound quality, with the Blue Lotus offering a more premium feel and the Hyacinth V2U delivering a sharper sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Lotus and the Hyacinth V2U use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. The similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches means that they will both provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon is known for.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Blue Lotus and the Hyacinth V2U contribute to unique typing experiences for each switch. The combination of the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing with the nylon bottom housing in the Blue Lotus offers a balance of premium feel and deep sound profile. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2U provides a sharper sound profile, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller typing experience. Both switches offer their own advantages in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus requires a heavier force for both actuation and bottom out compared to the Hyacinth V2U. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Hyacinth V2U, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Blue Lotus for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with weight playing a crucial role in determining the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant for some users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Hyacinth V2U more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 V2U 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 V2U 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their bassy profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches are described as having a more neutral and subdued sound, producing a dampened sound when pressed. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Blue Lotus providing a more resonant and bass-heavy sound, while the Hyacinth V2U offers a quieter and subtler typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches are characterized as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a tactile yet responsive typing experience. The Hyacinth V2U switches, on the other hand, are polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing feel with minimal resistance. While the Blue Lotus switches focus on tactile feedback and responsiveness, the Hyacinth V2U switches prioritize smoothness and a polished typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switches excel in tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, complemented by a vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches offer a fuller travel distance and a bouncier feel, with a softer and bassier sound signature. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between the tactile and visually appealing Blue Lotus switches or the smooth and polished typing experience of the Hyacinth V2U switches. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, consider your preference for tactile intensity and responsiveness. If you enjoy a marked tactile feel with snappiness and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus might be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a fuller travel distance with added bounciness and a softer, bassier sound signature, the Hyacinth V2U could be the better option. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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