Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Blue Sky is praised for its crystal-clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U provides a fuller travel distance reminiscent of traditional typing experiences, accompanied by a softer and bassier sound signature. While the Blue Sky is more neutral and mild in its attributes, the V2U stands out with its silky and subdued qualities. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two switches. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both keyboards feature nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This results in a more satisfying typing experience with a softer bottom-out sound and feel, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts.
While both keyboards share similar housing materials for the top and bottom, the distribution of these materials can affect the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the qualities of each housing material and how they contribute to the overall sound profile, enthusiasts can make informed decisions when selecting a keyboard that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth V2U is lighter overall. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light. The difference in weight between the two switches may be noticeable to some users, with the Blue Sky providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Hyacinth V2U. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces - whether one prefers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier push for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth V2U. A 0.1 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in the feel of the key press. Players who prefer a more traditional travel distance may lean towards the Blue Sky, while those looking for a slightly shallower press may prefer the Hyacinth V2U. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, which can be ideal for those looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound profile, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a brighter sound while typing. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch provides a more neutral sound with a subtle, bassier tone due to its nylon construction, offering a softer and more muted typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can expect either a more vibrant or subdued sound when using these switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. This results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing comfort. Similarly, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch also provides a polished and silky typing experience, offering exceptionally smooth key presses and releases with minimal resistance. Users can expect a sleek and effortless typing feel with these switches, making them suitable for long typing sessions.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Blue Sky switch provides a brighter and crisper sound with a gentle and polished typing feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch delivers a more neutral and bassier sound with a silky-smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and reliability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a crystal clear linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Blue Sky switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a fuller travel distance with a softer, bassier sound signature and a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2U switch could be more suitable. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired typing feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.