Kailh Box Jade vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Jade and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2Us provide a fuller travel distance and a traditional typing feel with a softer, bassier sound signature due to their nylon construction. While the Box Jade excels in providing an invigorating and accentuated typing experience, the Hyacinth V2U offers a polished and subdued feel. 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
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes the sound crisper and more resonant, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality in their keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and visual appeal.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches. The Kailh Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits in terms of sound quality. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings can provide a more satisfying and immersive typing experience, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Kailh Box Jade and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches offers a balance of sharp, crisp sound with deep, full tones. The differences in these housing materials allow for a varied typing experience, with the top housings impacting the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housings influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a fuller one, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it's clear that the Box Jade requires a slightly heavier touch. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Hyacinth V2U has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes the Hyacinth V2U the lighter option of the two. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box Jade for its slightly heavier feel, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may prefer the Hyacinth V2U. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, providing a good balance between requiring a firm press for typing accuracy and a comfortable typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Hyacinth V2U's 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, especially favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, the Hyacinth V2U offers a slightly longer travel distance, which could provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel. In terms of travel distance, one is shorter and one is longer, but both can offer similar results depending on the user's preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, providing sharp and crisp clicks with every key press. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offers a more neutral and subdued sound, thanks to its nylon construction and 22mm spring. The Hyacinth V2U produces a softer, bassier sound signature compared to the Box Jade, creating a more understated typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade is described as offering an accented and invigorating typing experience. With its medium-heavy tactile bumps and crisp clicks, users can expect a satisfying feedback and tactile response while typing. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is known for its polished and silky feel, providing a smooth and refined key travel experience. The V2Us offer a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, complemented by a bouncy spring for a more immersive typing sensation.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched, crunchy sound with medium-heavy tactility, the Box Jades are the way to go. Alternatively, if you enjoy a more neutral, subdued sound with a polished and silky feel for smoother key travel, the Hyacinth V2Us are a great choice. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that both newcomers and experienced typists can find a switch that suits their typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a fuller travel distance with a softer, bassier sound profile and added bounciness, the Hyacinth V2U may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for an enjoyable typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
