TTC Flame Red vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Flame Red by TTC and the Hyacinth V2U by Sillyworks stand out as excellent options within the linear switch category. The Flame Red is praised for its stunning light diffuser, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a backlit RGB keyboard. This switch offers a weighty smoothness and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U boasts a traditional typing experience with a fuller 3.9mm travel distance and a bouncy 22mm spring. Crafted from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound signature, falling under neutral, polished, silky, and subdued. Each switch has its unique strengths and characteristics, catering to different preferences in feel and sound. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, we can see that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound absorption capabilities. This means that both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to bottoming out keys. However, the top housing of the Flame Red is made of nylon, while the Hyacinth V2U features a polycarbonate top housing. This key difference will result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for the Hyacinth V2U, giving it a distinct audio characteristic compared to the Flame Red.
While the bottom housing similarities between the Flame Red and the Hyacinth V2U suggest a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel, the different top housing materials will contribute to distinct sound profiles. The Flame Red's nylon top housing is likely to provide a deeper and fuller sound, while the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top housing will offer a sharper and clearer sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes, giving the Hyacinth V2U an added visual appeal. Overall, these differences in top housing materials will result in a noticeable variation in sound characteristics between the two switches.
In understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when keys are released. With the Flame Red and the Hyacinth V2U sharing nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of keypress feedback and sound when keys reach the bottom. However, the contrasting top housing materials of nylon for the Flame Red and polycarbonate for the Hyacinth V2U will bring about distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing sound aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound (Flame Red) or a sharper, crisper sound (Hyacinth V2U).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Flame Red has a slightly higher bottom out force of 54 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2U's 52 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out force. In terms of weight, both switches fall under the category of medium-light, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Those who enjoy longer typing sessions may prefer the lighter actuation force, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the Flame Red switch. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a decent balance between actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch is 4mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the slight variation in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Flame Red offering just a bit more depth compared to the Hyacinth V2U. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Flame Red being the slightly longer option and the Hyacinth V2U providing a slightly shorter key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Flame Red and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches are described as having a neutral profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and settings. The Flame Reds offer a moderate sound profile with a weighty smoothness when typing, whereas the Hyacinth V2Us produce a softer, bassier sound signature thanks to their nylon construction. The V2Us also provide a more subdued sound compared to most switches, offering a more subtle typing experience overall. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches are described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2Us also boast a polished finish for a sleek typing experience, and are further praised for their silky feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience, making them suitable for users looking for a comfortable and pleasant feel while typing.
Overall, while there are some differences in sound and feel between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a polished, smooth feeling when typing. Whether you prefer the weighty smoothness of the Flame Reds or the bouncy feel and bassier sound of the V2Us, you can expect to get a similar level of quality and satisfaction from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between TTC Flame Red linear switches and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switches, consider your priorities. If you value a visually striking RGB experience and prefer a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a fuller travel distance, bouncy feel, and softer, bassier sound signature, the Hyacinth V2U switches would be the better choice. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, but the Hyacinth V2U also provides a more subdued sound option. In terms of feel, the Flame Red offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Hyacinth V2U provides a polished and silky smooth feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred typing experience and sound profile.
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