Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U stand out as prime contenders. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U by Sillyworks features a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm and a 22mm spring for added bounce, providing a more traditional typing experience with a softer, bassier sound. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a neutral and low-pitched feel, the Hyacinth V2U boasts a polished, silky, and subdued quality. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
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
3.90 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. With both switches using polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either switch.
However, the differences arise in the bottom housing materials of the Foggy Shadow and the Hyacinth V2U. The Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. This leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U also uses a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the same deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon brings to switches. Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches share the same bottom housing material, resulting in similar typing experiences in terms of sound texture and feel.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing's material will influence the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the effects of each housing material allows users to select switches that best suit their preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Hyacinth V2U, while users who enjoy a more solid typing experience may opt for the Foggy Shadow despite its unknown actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, the Foggy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Hyacinth V2U's 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Foggy Shadow's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker and more responsive typing experience, while the Hyacinth V2U's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more immediate response or a deeper keystroke sensation.
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 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 Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch boasts a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that suits a variety of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a subdued quality, producing a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to other switches. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors provided, but with its light tactile bump and medium weight, users can expect a balanced and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. These qualities enhance the overall typing experience and make for comfortable extended use.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump, the Hyacinth V2U offers a more subdued sound with a fuller travel distance and added bounciness. When it comes to feel, the Foggy Shadow promises a balanced performance, while the Hyacinth V2U stands out with its polished and silky smoothness. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can achieve satisfying results with either of these mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a fuller travel distance, a softer, bassier sound signature, and a polished, silky feel, then the Hyacinth V2U might be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
