HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both cater to linear switch enthusiasts but offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, providing a bright and smooth typing experience that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U takes a more traditional approach with a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm and a bouncier feel, thanks to its robust 22mm spring. Its nylon construction enhances a softer, bassier sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a balance between nostalgic typing experiences and modern performance. While both switches bring unique characteristics to the table, their differences in sound profile, actuation force, and overall feel will influence your choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs sound, creating a duller resonance that many typists find pleasing and muted. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and more crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, delivering a distinctly different auditory experience. The choice of housing material fundamentally shapes the acoustic signature of each switch, with the Cloud favoring warmth and depth, while the Hyacinth leans towards brightness and clarity.

Examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, providing a consistent sonic foundation in their typing sounds. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar depth and fullness in sound that enhances the bottom-out experience for the user. Consequently, the acoustic characteristics shared between both models in terms of deeper resonance stem from their use of nylon in the bottom housings. While the Cloud - 50g's sound may be influenced by the nylon absorbing sound overall, the consistency in the bottom housing assures that both switches exhibit a heavier tone during bottom-out, creating a pleasant sense of familiarity for typists who appreciate this style of feedback.

Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings lead to different sound experiences, but the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for some continuity in feel and sound output. By allowing the qualities of the top and bottom materials to impact their respective roles, typists can enjoy a nuanced experience in which the characteristics of each switch blend well. In the Cloud - 50g, the nylon top provides warmth, while the polycarbonate top of the Hyacinth V2U delivers brightness. Still, both switches maintain a deeper bottoming sound due to their nylon base, highlighting how different materials can create diverse typing experiences while still yielding somewhat consistent results in overall sound.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch to the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is well-suited for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, minimizing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This heavier push feel may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. Overall, while both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter choice, making it ideal for those seeking comfort over long durations, whereas the Hyacinth V2U may cater to users who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same distance traveled with both switches. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and actuation feel, making either switch a suitable choice for those who prefer a consistent travel experience in their typing or gaming activities.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch presents a clacky sound profile, making it a great choice for typists who prefer a brighter auditory feedback during use. This is in contrast to the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, which offers a more subdued sound signature. The V2U produces a softer, bassier tone with a tendency toward a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This fundamental difference in sound character means that users will find a more expressive typing experience with the Cloud - 50g, while the V2U caters to those who favor a quieter typing experience without sacrificing all auditory feedback.

In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is noted for its silky smoothness, which translates to a refined and effortless typing experience. In comparison, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U features a polished and silky texture, ensuring a similarly smooth key travel. However, the V2U has the added distinction of a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm and a bouncier feel thanks to its enhanced 22mm spring. This results in a typing experience that nods to traditional mechanics while maintaining a modern touch, giving users an enjoyable tactile response.

Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences and typing styles. The Cloud - 50g excels in delivering a lively, clacky sound, making it ideal for users who relish a more expressive auditory experience. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U provides a more understated sound and a subtly bouncier feel, appealing to those who appreciate a smoother, less disruptive typing encounter with longer travel distances. In essence, while both switches feature smoothness, they stand apart in sound profile and overall typing experience, allowing newcomers to lean towards their personal preferences when making a choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch depends on your typing preferences and the sound experience you desire. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force with a bright, clacky sound and are looking for a smooth, silky feel, the Cloud - 50g will likely suit you well, making it ideal for fast typists or those who want a lively typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation with a fuller travel distance that harkens back to traditional typing, the Hyacinth V2U is a great choice. Its bassier sound and polished feel cater to those who appreciate a more subdued audio profile and a comfortable, bouncy experience akin to vintage keyboards. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you favor a vibrant or understated approach to your typing routine, ensuring you get the most satisfying experience from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

Learn more