HMX Cheese vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U stand out as unique options to explore. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. With ultra-light switches lighter than 90% of all switches, it provides a one-of-a-kind feel. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offers a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, reminiscent of traditional typing experiences, and features a 22mm spring for added bounciness. Crafted from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound signature, blending old and new elements seamlessly. Each switch has its own set of advantages, with the Cheese focusing on smoothness and lightness, while the V2U prioritizes a traditional typing feel with a bouncier touch. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing material of the HMX Cheese and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both play a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in sound is due to the properties of the materials, with nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound, and polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both materials offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cheese and the Hyacinth V2U utilize nylon for this component. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, leading to a rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. While the bottom housing may not have as much of an impact on the overall sound as the top housing, it still contributes to the overall acoustics of the switch. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches highlights the importance of this material for creating a satisfying typing experience.
The combination of different housing materials in the HMX Cheese and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U showcases how the choice of material can affect the sound and feel of a switch. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each material adding its own unique qualities to the sound profile. Whether it's the softer nylon creating a duller sound in the Cheese or the stiffer polycarbonate producing a sharper sound in the Hyacinth V2U, both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on the housing materials used. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Hyacinth V2U. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, whereas the Hyacinth V2U has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes the Cheese ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences, with the Cheese being lighter and the Hyacinth V2U being medium-light, ensuring that users can select the switch that best suits their needs for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Cheese switch would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to traditional options, catering to the preference of users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature with its ultra-light actuation, making it stand out as one of the lighter switches on the market. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch provides a softer, bassier sound due to its nylon construction and enhanced with a 22mm spring for added bounciness. The V2U switch leans towards a more traditional typing experience with a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, offering a sound profile that marries the old and the new. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, resulting in a seamless and enjoyable typing feel. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, on the other hand, is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort while typing, providing users with a satisfying key feel.
Overall, when comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is clear that they offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch stands out with its ultra-light actuation and satisfying clacky sound, while the Hyacinth V2U switch provides a softer, bassier sound with a fuller travel distance for a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, consider the bottom out force and typing experience you prefer. If you prefer a lighter switch with a unique clacky sound and ultra-light feel, the HMX Cheese switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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