KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offer unique typing experiences worth exploring. The Cream Yellow is praised for its distinctive clacky sound, bouncy feel, and shortened bottom-out distance, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance, traditional typing experience, and softer, bassier sound signature. Both switches provide a different feel and sound profile, catering to diverse 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. In terms of sound profile, the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, particularly when releasing a key.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Hyacinth V2U also utilizes a nylon bottom housing to achieve a similar effect, demonstrating the importance of bottom housing material in shaping the typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials affects both the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U showcase the impact of different housing materials on the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches. While they both utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing brings about a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding how different housing materials interact and contribute to the overall typing experience is essential for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards and achieve the desired sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Hyacinth V2U has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U offers a lighter typing experience, which is favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, making them suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may find the Hyacinth V2U more to your liking due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 KTT Cream Yellow switch is best suited for those who enjoy a loud and sharp clacky sound profile when typing, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem design. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch offers a more subdued and neutral sound experience due to its nylon construction and longer 3.9mm travel distance. While both switches provide unique sound signatures, the Cream Yellow will deliver a crisper and more percussive sound, while the Hyacinth V2U will offer a softer and bassier sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy typing experience, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation with lively key rebound. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. Both switches provide a different tactile feel, with the Cream Yellow focusing on bounciness while the Hyacinth V2U prioritizes smoothness and a sleek typing experience.
Considering the sound and feel qualities of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is evident that these switches offer distinct typing experiences. The Cream Yellow excels in delivering a clacky and bouncy typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a more lively and resonant sound and feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U provides a more neutral and subdued sound with a polished and silky typing experience, appealing to users looking for a smoother and more refined feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch or the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it ultimately comes down to the sound and feel preferences that suit you best. If you prefer a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, then the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you are looking for a switch that offers a fuller travel distance, a softer, bassier sound signature, and a polished, silky typing experience, then the Hyacinth V2U switch may be more appealing to you. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what attributes are most important to you when making your decision on which switch to choose for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and Hyacinth V2U switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.