Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a pronounced keypress sensation. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U offers a traditional typing experience with its full travel distance and bouncy 22mm spring. While the Box Royal emits a higher-pitched sound, the Hyacinth V2U produces a softer, bassier tone crafted from nylon. These differences in tactility and sound signature reflect the diverse preferences of users. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both use different materials for their top housings, with the Box Royal featuring a nylon top housing and the Hyacinth V2U featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2U produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffer plastic composition that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The choice of material for the top housing significantly affects the sound profile of the switch, with nylon providing a more muted sound and polycarbonate offering a more distinct and vibrant sound.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality between the two switches results in a similar typing experience, as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Box Royal and the Hyacinth V2U contributes to a duller and rounder sound when the key is pressed down, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite differences in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile for both switches, emphasizing the importance of bottom housing material in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch.
When comparing the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is evident that the housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of a switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when a key is pressed down. Similarly, the top housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, has a notable impact on the sound produced when a key is released. By considering the properties of each housing material, switch manufacturers can tailor the sound profile of their switches to meet the preferences of users, whether they prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile associated with nylon or a sharper, more resonant sound profile attributed to polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is evident that the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2U's 52 grams. On the other hand, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that while they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, the Box Royal will provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth V2U would be the better option, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the desired key feel and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Hyacinth V2U has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. The 0.3 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prefer a more responsive and quicker keystroke may lean towards the Box Royal with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key press may find the longer travel distance of the Hyacinth V2U to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal switch produces a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, catering to those who prefer a more distinctive and crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch offers a neutral sound profile with a softer and bassier tone due to its nylon construction, creating a more subtle and less intrusive typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Box Royal provides a more pronounced and higher-pitched feedback, while the Hyacinth V2U offers a more mellow and subdued sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback, delivering a strong and intense bump with each key press for a highly tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. The Hyacinth V2U switch prioritizes a more seamless and streamlined typing experience compared to the intense tactility of the Box Royal.
Overall, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches ultimately depends on your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize a smoother and more refined typing experience with a softer and bassier sound signature, the Hyacinth V2U switch offers a more subdued and polished option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a tailored mechanical keyboard experience based on individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a newcomer looking for a tactile switch with a bold and sharp tactility paired with a high-pitched sound profile, then the Kailh Box Royal switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light actuation force, a fuller travel distance for a traditional typing experience, and a softer, bassier sound signature, then the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal typing style and preference for tactility and sound profile.
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