Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is known for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those looking for a bouncy and polished feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 stands out with its long stem pole that creates a crisp top-out sound, along with a deep 'clack' that offers a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience. This switch is recommended for enthusiasts seeking depth in their keyboard's auditory feedback, as it offers a seamless blend of sound and performance. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 boast polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound to be produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows the light to shine through beautifully. With both keyboards featuring polycarbonate top housings, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on either board.
While both keyboards share the same top housing material, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, creating a sharper and more resonant bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Hyacinth V2 offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
The choice of housing materials in a keyboard can significantly impact the overall typing experience. With the Akko V3 Crystal Pro featuring both top and bottom polycarbonate housings and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 incorporating polycarbonate and nylon housings, users can enjoy a variety of sound profiles depending on the specific characteristics of each material. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Crystal Pro is 60 grams, which is heavier than the Hyacinth V2's 52 grams. This means that while the V3 Crystal Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2 offers a lighter typing feel overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Hyacinth V2 may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the V3 Crystal Pro for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Hyacinth V2's 3.5 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by many gamers for their quick response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may provide a different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may find the V3 Crystal Pro more to their liking, while those who prefer a quicker and more responsive feel may lean towards the Hyacinth V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy sound signature with a slight squeak, distinguishing it from other switches. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch provides a deep and clacky top-out sound, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of sound you prefer in a keyboard switch.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is noted for its bouncy and polished typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These qualities ensure a smooth and buttery feel with minimal resistance, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Both switches offer a premium typing experience, but the choice between them may come down to specific preferences in terms of feedback and key feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Pro switch provides a chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel, while the Hyacinth V2 switch offers a deep clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy feel. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their distinct qualities, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and what specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and resonant 'clack' sound with a seamless blend of sound and performance, the Hyacinth V2 is the switch that will best suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the unique sound and feel characteristics offered by each switch. So, assess what matters most to you in terms of auditory feedback and typing experience before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
