HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is ideal for those who enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience, with its 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched' characteristics. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U appeals to users looking for a traditional typing feel with its fuller 3.9mm travel distance and softer, bassier sound signature, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Subdued'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences, 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
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, one noticeable difference lies in their top housings. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2U's top housing makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the Cloud - 63.5g may not offer.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Hyacinth V2U feature nylon bottom housings. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in typing, thanks to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound. With both switches utilizing the same bottom housing material, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent across both switches, maintaining a duller and rounder sound profile characteristic of nylon material.
It's important to note that the division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch can influence the overall typing experience. The qualities of the top housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will affect the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U may offer slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences due to their respective housing materials, both switches ultimately deliver a comparable level of quality and performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Hyacinth V2U offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the Cloud - 63.5g being the heavier option and the Hyacinth V2U being the lighter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether a user prefers a heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they provide a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means users can expect consistent results in terms of keypress feel and feedback from both switches. Overall, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Hyacinth V2U offer a standard travel distance that is neither shorter nor longer than the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch offers a softer and bassier sound signature due to its nylon construction, providing a more subdued and neutral typing sound. When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, giving a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation. In comparison, the Hyacinth V2U switch provides a polished and silky feel, offering a refined finish and exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
In conclusion, if you prefer a brighter, clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a softer, bassier sound with a more subdued and neutral typing sound, along with a polished and silky smooth typing feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience catering to different preferences, and the choice between them would depend on your personal sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, consider the specific characteristics that cater to your preferences. If you prioritize a clacky sound profile and a heavier typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a fuller travel distance, a softer sound signature, and a bouncier typing feel, the Hyacinth V2U may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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