Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offer intriguing options for those who favor linear switches. The Keygeek Briny stands out with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, resulting in a balanced sound profile that caters to individuals seeking a smooth and consistent keypress without auditory distractions. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U sets itself apart with a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, appealing to those who appreciate a more traditional typing experience. Enhanced by a 22mm spring, these switches provide a delightful bounce, while their nylon construction delivers a softer, bassier sound signature that enhances tactile satisfaction. In essence, the V2U harmoniously combines nostalgia with modernity, making it a compelling choice for typists who enjoy a unique auditory and tactile 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, celebrated for its softer nature which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This absorption capability allows the nylon to create a more muted auditory experience, resulting in a rounder sound signature that many users find pleasant for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U's top housing is composed of polycarbonate—a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material not only heightens the clarity of the keystrokes but also resonates more distinctly, creating a more pronounced auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, the contrasting materials lead to different sound qualities.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, we discover a similarity that can significantly influence their overall sound profile. The Briny features a nylon bottom housing, which maintains the characteristic deep and full sound profile associated with nylon. Similarly, the Hyacinth V2U also employs nylon for its bottom housing, ensuring that this component contributes to the same rich sound quality when typing. While the top housings provide a varied auditory experience—one being dulled by nylon and the other crisped by polycarbonate—the nylon bottoms for both switches share a common ground. This commonality ensures that regardless of the differences in top housing, both switches will still produce a generally rounded sound due to the sound absorption properties of the nylon material in their lower halves.
The interaction of the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall auditory feedback and typing feel. For both the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent deep sound upon bottoming out, which remains a dominant aspect of the typing experience. However, the differing top housings drive the characteristics of key release sounds. Thus, while the Briny's nylon top creates a smoother and more rounded auditory experience, the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top fosters a sharper sound that is likely to appeal to users looking for clarity. In essence, even though the switches vary in certain materials, the combined usage of nylon for the bottoms unites them in producing similar sound qualities during key presses, showcasing how housing materials can be balanced to create diverse, yet complementary, typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the heavier option overall. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Hyacinth is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. Meanwhile, the Briny appeals to users seeking a more substantial feel, thanks to its heavier forces. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces indicates that users will experience varying levels of feedback and engagement depending on their choice of switch, with the Briny providing a firmer resistance and the Hyacinth offering a more delicate touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Briny boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that if you choose the Briny, you'll experience a slightly more responsive feel, which can be beneficial for fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor quick response times or a more substantial key feel; the Briny offers a shorter, snappier performance, while the Hyacinth V2U presents a more traditional and hearty typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch contributes to a well-rounded auditory experience characterized by a balanced sound profile. This balance makes it versatile enough for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch is known for its uniquely fuller and bassy sound signature, stemming from its nylon construction and design that incorporates a traditional 3.9mm travel distance. The sound quality is more subdued compared to louder alternatives, making it a solid choice for users who prefer a less intrusive auditory environment.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Briny stands out as a smooth switch, although specific descriptors for it are missing from the current information. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offers a notably polished and silky feel, resulting in a refined and exceptionally smooth typing experience. The inclusion of a 22mm spring adds a level of bounciness that enhances the tactile feedback during use, making it desirable for those who appreciate a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. This smoothness minimizes resistance, allowing for effortless key presses and releases.
Overall, both switches provide distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Briny's balanced and versatile auditory output makes it suitable for a range of applications, while the Hyacinth V2U's fuller, more subdued sound and polished touch cater to users seeking a touch of nostalgia fused with modern enhancements. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you value a more neutral and balanced experience or a softer, bassier sound combined with a refined tactile feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a more balanced sound profile, the Keygeek Briny is an excellent choice. Its medium bottoming-out force of 60 grams provides a solid feedback that many users find satisfying, especially for longer typing sessions. This makes it suitable if you are looking for a switch that delivers a consistent and reliable performance across various tasks, whether it’s for gaming or typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and appreciate a more traditional typing experience, then the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is ideal for you. Its medium-light bottoming-out force of 52 grams and fuller travel distance of 3.9mm offer a unique blend of bounciness and nostalgia, making it perfect for those who enjoy a softer, bassy sound and a polished, silky feel while typing. In essence, whether you opt for the Briny's balanced response or the Hyacinth V2U's nostalgic vibe, you'll find that each has its own distinct charm that caters to different styles and preferences.
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