HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite both being categorized as linear switches. The HMX Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and the innovative Ly stem design, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback alongside a smooth typing feel. Conversely, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U boasts a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, catering to enthusiasts who favor a traditional typing experience while integrating modern features, such as a bouncier feel from the 22mm spring, and a softer, bassier sound profile from its nylon build. While the Deep Navy's emphasis is on smoothness and sound clarity, the Hyacinth V2U balances nostalgia with contemporary design. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, a striking contrast emerges between their top housings. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for its top housing, characterized by its softer nature that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This softer plastic not only absorbs sound effectively but also enhances the overall acoustic experience, resulting in a more subdued auditory feedback. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its rigidity and clarity, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate enhances resonance and creates crisper auditory feedback during typing, making the experience distinctly different in terms of sound quality.
In terms of the bottom housing, both models utilize nylon—a classic material synonymous with producing a deeper and richer sound profile. In the case of the Deep Navy, the nylon bottom housing further reinforces the overall auditory experience, ensuring that the bottom-out sound is significantly fuller. The Hyacinth V2U, with its nylon bottom housing, contributes similarly to the sound profile, yielding that characteristic roundness due to nylon's softer properties. Therefore, while the top housing materials greatly influence the sound profile, with polycarbonate providing clarity and nylon offering depth, both switches share the same bottom housing material, allowing for a consistent auditory experience at the bottom-out point in their respective use.
Ultimately, the combination of the different top housing materials leads to unique tactile and acoustic sensations when using either switch. The Deep Navy's nylon top creates a mellow sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a more subdued acoustic environment. Conversely, the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top enhances feedback with its bright, resonant characteristics, appealing to users seeking an invigorating typing experience. However, given that both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, the richness and depth of sound upon bottoming out will feel familiar across both models, even amidst their differing top housing characteristics. Such a design choice ensures that, despite the contrast, users can still attain similar results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, highlighting a blend of individuality and consistency between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer cushioned touches and extended typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Hyacinth V2U offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. This means that users seeking a heavier typing experience might gravitate towards the Sillyworks switch, while those prioritizing a lighter feel would benefit from the Deep Navy. Thus, depending on personal preference for typing experience, one may choose accordingly; where the Deep Navy offers easy engagement and less strain, the Hyacinth V2U provides a more pronounced push-back sensation with every keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, the two differ in their design. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly longer distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users who prefer a more responsive pressing experience. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a more tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on a user's preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced depth when pressing down on keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 HMX Deep Navy switch is known for its rich and sharp audio profile, delivering a distinctive auditory experience with each keystroke. Its full nylon construction contributes to a unique resonance, elevating its sound signature beyond that of conventional linear switches. In contrast, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U provides a softer and bassier sound, characterized by its neutral and subdued qualities. The deeper travel distance of 3.9mm complements this sound profile, making it well-suited for a variety of environments, fostering a typing experience that balances clarity without being overly intrusive.
When examining the feel of these switches, the HMX Deep Navy switch offers an experience that is noted for its silky smoothness, attributed to the Ly stem, resulting in a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U excels in its polished and silky finesse, providing a smooth and refined touch when typing. The deeper actuation distance of the V2U, coupled with its enhanced spring, adds a layer of bounciness that contrasts with the Deep Navy’s smooth responsiveness, allowing typists to appreciate a more traditional feel while still enjoying the benefits of modern switch technology.
Both the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Deep Navy leans towards a sharper sound with its full nylon build and emphasizes a silky smooth feel, the Hyacinth V2U provides a fuller sound profile and a bouncier, polished touch. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on whether you prefer a rich and crisp auditory experience or a softer, more subdued sound coupled with a traditional typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a rich, sharp sound profile, then the Deep Navy switch, with its 45-gram actuation force and silky smooth Ly stem, would likely enhance your typing experience. It's especially suitable for those who engage in fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick actuation is key. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more traditional typing experience with a fuller travel distance and a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is your go-to. Its added bounciness and more subdued sound profile make it versatile, catering well to both leisurely typing and professional environments. Ultimately, by considering your priorities in feel and sound, you can select the switch that will best complement your typing style and enhance your overall experience.
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