Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, a linear switch. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is renowned for its budget-friendly quality, offering a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile coupled with smooth tactile feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a lively typing experience with an audible response. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U boasts a longer travel distance and a bouncier feel, providing a traditional typing experience with a softer sound signature. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is more accented and bouncy, the Hyacinth V2U is neutral and subdued. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for users who prioritize clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switches. While both switches share this common feature, they may differ in other aspects such as the design or build quality.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Hyacinth V2U have nylon bottom housings, which offer a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This can provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a quieter switch. Despite the similarities in the bottom housing material, the switches may still have differences in terms of actuation force or tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U will ultimately come down to personal preference. While both switches feature a combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their housings, they may offer different typing experiences or sound profiles based on the specific design choices made by each manufacturer. Whether you prioritize a sharper sound profile with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper, fuller sound with a quieter typing experience, both switches have their own unique qualities to offer. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand may be the best way to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. However, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2U's 52 grams. The Akko switch provides a medium-light feel overall, while the Sillyworks switch offers a slightly lighter typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods, the Hyacinth V2U may be the better option. In contrast, users looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers may particularly appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Cream Blue Pro for faster reactions during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Hyacinth V2U with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U provides a softer, bassier sound signature that is more subdued and neutral in comparison. The choice between these two switches would depend on the user's preference for a livelier, audible feedback or a quieter, more subtle sound.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, providing a medium tactile feedback with a good amount of tactility and a smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U also offers a polished feel along with a silky smooth typing experience. These switches give off a more refined and smooth key travel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Depending on whether the user prefers a bouncier, spring-like feedback or an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the choice between these two switches would vary.
Taking all available information into consideration, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, while the Hyacinth V2U focuses on delivering a softer, bassier sound profile with a fuller travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would boil down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether one prefers a more vibrant typing experience or a smoother, quieter feel, both switches offer quality within their own distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're someone who values a lively and audible typing experience with a creamy tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound signature in a switch, then the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound and feel characteristics that align with your typing preferences and style. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
