TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, a linear switch. The Bluish White is praised for providing a satisfyingly tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a poppy feel while typing. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 is known for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack', offering a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience for enthusiasts looking for depth in auditory feedback. While the Bluish White is characterized as 'buttery', 'stepped', and 'low-pitched', the Hyacinth V2 is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 TTC Bluish White and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards they are used in.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their nylon bottom housing. The TTC Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to the softness of the material that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 also utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar effect of creating a rounder and duller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottoms. This common choice in bottom housing material between the two switches demonstrates the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the overall sound and feel of a key press.
Overall, while the top housing material of both the TTC Bluish White and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 is polycarbonate, offering similar sharp and clear sound profiles, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of the sound characteristics they produce when typing. The differences in sound between a sharper, crisper top housing and a deeper, fuller bottom housing highlight the nuanced effects that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience with mechanical keyboards.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Bluish White is lighter in both categories. The actuation force of the Bluish White is 42 grams, whereas the Hyacinth V2 requires 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Bluish White is 50 grams, while the Hyacinth V2 is 52 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light touch, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the slight difference in forces may be noticeable to users who have a preference for a specific actuation or bottom out force. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Bluish White, while those who prefer a slightly firmer feel may opt for the Hyacinth V2.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance. Consequently, the results obtained from using either switch will be similar in terms of the tactile feedback and key press experience. Therefore, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between these two switches, making them equally suitable for users looking for a consistent key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Bluish White switch provides a low-pitched and mellow tone, offering a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. In comparison, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switch produces a clacky and sharp sound, with a crisp top-out 'clack' that resonates deeply. The Hyacinth V2 switch excels in providing a more percussive auditory feedback, while the Bluish White switch offers a more bass-heavy and smooth sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Hyacinth V2 leaning towards a brighter and more tactile sound experience, and the Bluish White focusing on a smoother and more relaxed typing sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a responsive feel. While the Bluish White switch focuses on a seamless, uniform typing sensation with a middle-ground tactile feel, the Hyacinth V2 switch emphasizes a luxurious and frictionless keystroke experience that prioritizes smoothness and responsiveness.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White switch caters to those seeking a more mellow and bass-heavy typing sound with a smooth and refined keystroke experience. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2 switch appeals to enthusiasts looking for a sharp and clacky typing sound with a creamy and silky smooth keystroke feel. Both switches excel in their respective sound and feel characteristics, providing users with a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether the user values a bass-heavy and uniform sound profile (Bluish White) or a sharp and clacky sound with a luxurious and smooth feel (Hyacinth V2).
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Bluish White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a seamless blend of sound and performance with a distinct deep 'clack' and crisp top-out sound, the Hyacinth V2 might be more suited to your preferences. Consider the bottom out force, sound characteristics, and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the switch that resonates most with your typing needs.
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