Kailh Box Jade vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Box Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on it a joy. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 stands out as a linear switch with a long stem pole that provides a crisp top-out sound in every stroke. Its deep 'clack' sound offers a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking depth in their keyboard's auditory feedback. While both switches have their strengths and appeal, it's essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine which one best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, the difference in branding and design may affect the overall look and feel of the switches, even though they share similar housing materials.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the Kailh Box Jade and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in branding and design, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches allows for a unique typing experience that emphasizes the impact and bottom-out sound when pressing down on the keys.
In summary, while both the Kailh Box Jade and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 share similar polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings offer distinct typing experiences. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings allows for a combination of clear and resonant sound with a deeper and fuller typing experience. Ultimately, the differences in design and branding may affect the overall aesthetic appeal and feel of these switches, even though they both utilize similar housing materials.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch with 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, while the Hyacinth V2 only needs 52 grams, making it the lighter option. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, with the Box Jade providing a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Hyacinth V2 more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, which is slightly longer than the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. Gamers looking for a quicker response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth V2, while those who prefer a more substantial key press feel may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch is high-pitched and crunchy, creating a sharp and crisp sound similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. In comparison, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Box Jade providing a higher-pitched clicky sound and the Hyacinth V2 offering a deep 'clack' that resonates with enthusiasts seeking rich acoustic feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, providing an ultra-smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and a sleek key travel. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that enhance the typing experience, with the Box Jade focusing on tactile feedback and the Hyacinth V2 prioritizing smoothness and responsiveness. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel or a silky smooth typing experience will dictate which switch suits your preferences best.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch each offer a unique combination of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box Jade excels in providing a high-pitched clicky sound with a crunchy tactile feel, while the Hyacinth V2 stands out for its deep 'clack' sound and creamy, smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound profile, tactile feedback, smoothness, or responsiveness in your mechanical keyboard. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch or the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Box Jade would be the ideal choice for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a deep 'clack' sound profile and seamless blend of sound and performance, the Hyacinth V2 would be a top recommendation. The long stem pole ensures a crisp top-out sound in every stroke, providing a unique auditory feedback. Whether you prioritize the tactile feel and high-pitched sound of the Box Jade or the smooth, clacky sound of the Hyacinth V2, both switches offer distinct characteristics catered to different preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience and sound profile you prefer in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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