Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch that is perfect for budget-conscious individuals looking for high-quality performance. With its unique poppy and clacky sound, smooth feel, and attributes such as being bouncy and snappy, this switch offers a great typing experience. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 is another linear switch known for its long stem pole that delivers a crisp top-out sound with a deep 'clack'. With attributes like being clacky, creamy, frictionless, and silky, this switch provides a resonant and satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. While both switches have the same top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housings.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 also features a nylon bottom housing with similar sound characteristics. However, the distinctions in the bottom housings between the two switches may result in slight variations in typing experience and sound effects when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, while the top housing material of polycarbonate is the same for both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The nylon material used in the bottom housings of both switches contributes to a deeper sound profile, but slight variations in sound and typing experience may be present due to differences in the design and implementation of these materials. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Black Pro is 65 grams, while the Hyacinth V2 has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it lighter in comparison. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2 offers a lighter touch with its medium-light forces, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the V3 Cream Black Pro being the heavier option and the Hyacinth V2 being the lighter one.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Hyacinth V2 slightly longer in travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Hyacinth V2, while those looking for a slightly quicker response may opt for the V3 Cream Black Pro. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to the preferences of users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 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 V2 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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched and poppy sound profile, presenting a sharp and crisp auditory experience when pressed. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch provides a distinct clacky sound, characterized by its sharp, snappy, and percussive tone, making each keystroke resonate with a satisfying depth. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Cream Black Pro leaning towards a higher pitch while the Hyacinth V2 delivers a more clacky and resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches offer a creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. The Cream Black Pro switch is also described as bouncy and snappy, offering a spring-like feedback that makes typing feel lively and responsive. Similarly, the Hyacinth V2 switch is noted for being frictionless, polished, and silky, emphasizing a seamless and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches excel in offering a polished and smooth typing feel, enhancing the overall tactile feedback for users.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards. While the Cream Black Pro switch provides a high-pitched and poppy sound with a bouncy and snappy feel, the Hyacinth V2 switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a frictionless and silky typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a premium typing experience that combines unique sound profiles and smooth tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying and immersive mechanical keyboard experience for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound characteristics. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched, poppy sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a clacky, resonant sound, the Hyacinth V2 would be the better option. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the V3 Cream Black Pro leans towards a bouncy feel while the Hyacinth V2 offers a more frictionless and silky sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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