Everglide Crystal Violet vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 mechanical keyboard switches, some distinct differences emerge. The Crystal Violet switch offers a tactile typing experience with a light operating force of 45g, perfect for those looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile feel. The switch produces a mellow, low-pitched sound, thanks to its unique ABS housing. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 switch is a linear marvel with a crisp top-out sound and a deep 'clack' that provides a resonant auditory experience. It is ideal for enthusiasts seeking depth in their keyboard's sound feedback. While the Crystal Violet switch offers a gentle and comfortable tactile typing experience, the Hyacinth V2 switch stands out for its 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, one major difference lies in their top housing materials. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for its top housing, resulting in a low-pitched sound profile when typing. Conversely, the Hyacinth V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The choice of material for the top housing significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, with ABS offering a more subdued typing experience compared to the crisper sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Crystal Violet and the Hyacinth V2 also diverge. The Crystal Violet incorporates ABS for its bottom housing, contributing to a low-pitched sound profile similar to that of the top housing. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2 utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by ABS. This difference in bottom housing materials further distinguishes the sound and feel of the two switches.
However, despite the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience. While the Crystal Violet's ABS top and bottom housing contribute to a relatively low-pitched sound profile, the Hyacinth V2's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing create a sharper and deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and typing feel, with each offering a distinct experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, we can see that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Violet has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2's 52 grams. In terms of weight, both switches fall under the category of medium-light, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force impacts the overall typing sensation. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Crystal Violet with its slightly heavier bottom out force, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Hyacinth V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Hyacinth V2. The Crystal Violet offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Hyacinth V2 provides a slightly shorter distance. Gamers may prefer the Hyacinth V2 for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Crystal Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience, with a mellow tone that leans towards the bass-heavy spectrum. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch provides a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Crystal Violet being more subtle and mellow, while the Hyacinth V2 delivers a more resonant and satisfying acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switch is also described as creamy, but adds descriptors like frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy. This indicates that the Hyacinth V2 provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with enhanced responsiveness due to its unique characteristics. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing feel, with the Crystal Violet offering a more mild and stepped tactile feedback, while the Hyacinth V2 emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Crystal Violet provides a gentle and relaxed typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Hyacinth V2 delivers a more crisp and resonant auditory feedback with enhanced smoothness and responsiveness. Choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a gentle and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a crisp top-out sound and a resonant, clacky auditory feedback, the Hyacinth V2 would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound profile. So, whether you enjoy a creamy and mild typing experience or prefer a frictionless and snappy feel, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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