Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, emphasizing a balanced performance approach. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2, a linear switch from Sillyworks, boasts a long stem pole that delivers a crisp 'clack' sound with each keystroke, appealing to users who value auditory feedback. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Hyacinth V2 is known for being 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own strengths, but diving deeper into their characteristics will help you make the best choice for your specific keyboard preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which allows for clearer and more resonant sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to use RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. While both switches may share the same polycarbonate top housing material, their unique designs and construction may still lead to slight variations in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 differ in material, with the Foggy Shadow utilizing a nylon bottom housing while the Hyacinth V2 also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to the shared nylon material.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 may impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the sound and feel upon bottoming out. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that enhance the sound profile with a sharper and crisper tone, the nylon bottom housings of each switch create a deeper and fuller sound that may differ slightly in tone and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, there are notable differences. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Hyacinth V2 has a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, while the Hyacinth V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Hyacinth V2 a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Hyacinth V2 would be the more suitable choice. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the medium-heavy bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces allow for individuals to choose the switch that aligns with their preferences for typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get comparable feedback and typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and consistent typing experience with a moderate travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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 Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience, providing a mellow tone with just the right amount of sound for various environments. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch gives off a distinctively clacky sound, delivering a sharp and percussive noise with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose based on their desired auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow information does not provide any specific descriptors for the tactile experience. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy. This implies that the Hyacinth V2 offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, making each keystroke feel refined and responsive. The variety of descriptors suggests a versatile tactile sensation that can cater to a wide range of typing preferences.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a balanced and neutral sound with a light tactile bump, the Hyacinth V2 stands out with its clacky sound and creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy tactile feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard experience, both switches offer compelling options that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure you get the most suitable switch for your needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound. If you enjoy a light tactile bump and a neutral, low-pitched sound, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a creamy, frictionless feel and a clacky, sharp sound, the Hyacinth V2 would be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your typing habits and preferences to determine which switch best fits your needs for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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