Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out for their unique characteristics: the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, a linear switch. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile experience of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 is ideal for enthusiasts looking for a smooth and satisfying keystroke with a deep 'clack' sound that provides excellent auditory feedback. While the Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy and stiff feel, the Hyacinth V2 provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience. 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
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 are quite similar, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound performance, these switches will provide comparable results with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile that complements the sharpness of the polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches allows for a balanced sound experience. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing material has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the slight differences in housing materials, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel from both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch are quite different. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may opt for the Hyacinth V2, while those who enjoy a stronger push may lean towards the Box Mute Jade. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their respective force requirements.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Hyacinth V2 with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper feel may opt for the Box Mute Jade with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress response and feel.
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 Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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 Mute Jade clicky switch offers a unique 'crunchy' sound similar to stepping on crisp autumn leaves, providing a quieter clicky experience. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch delivers a distinct 'clacky' sound profile with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone on each stroke. Both switches offer contrasting auditory feedback, with the Box Mute Jade focusing on a subdued click and the Hyacinth V2 emphasizing a resonant 'clack'.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade provides an accented tactile experience, offering a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, these switches are described as stiff, requiring a higher actuation force for key presses, and are polished for a smooth typing sensation. Contrastingly, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a creamy and frictionless feel, providing a silky typing experience with minimal resistance. These switches are also polished for reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel with a snappy response.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a quieter clicky experience with accented tactility and stiffness, the Hyacinth V2 delivers a resonant 'clacky' sound with a creamy and frictionless typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, giving users the option to choose based on their desired auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, selecting either switch will result in a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, consider your preference for the typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile and a heavier bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a satisfyingly deep 'clack' sound, then the Hyacinth V2 is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the crunchy, accented feel and quieter sound of the Box Mute Jade or the creamy, frictionless feel and crisp top-out sound of the Hyacinth V2. Both switches offer unique experiences, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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