Gateron Glory Yellow vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that best aligns with your typing preferences, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U have unique attributes that cater to different needs. The Gateron Glory Yellow is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, making it a great option for those who appreciate a firmer feel while typing. Its heavier profile is designed to provide a more deliberate typing experience that can enhance accuracy during intensive tasks. In contrast, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U embraces a more traditional typing feel with a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, complemented by a bouncier 22mm spring, which provides a lively responsiveness. Additionally, crafted from nylon, this switch produces a softer and bassier sound, creating a delightfully subdued acoustic signature. While the Glory Yellow leans into a modern, smooth typing experience, the Hyacinth V2U pays homage to classic mechanics with its rich tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U showcase distinct characteristics stemming from their housing materials, which contribute to their unique acoustic profiles. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic properties, which help absorb sound and create a duller audio profile, ideal for those looking for a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the sound quality with a sharper, higher-pitched resonance. The stiffer polycarbonate material allows for more clear sound transmission, making the key presses feel more articulate, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which again lends a sense of continuity in their acoustic performance. For the Glory Yellow, this nylon bottom housing reinforces the softer sound profile established by the top housing, creating a cohesive typing experience that emphasizes deeper sounds. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U also enjoys the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, promoting a similar full-bodied sound when bottoming out. As both switches employ nylon for their bottoms, users can expect comparable characteristics in that respect, regardless of the differences found in their respective top housings.
The differing materials of the top and bottom housings affect the overall feel and sound perception of each switch. In the case of the Glory Yellow, the softness of the nylon in both housings results in a more uniform sound experience, with both elements contributing toward a rounded acoustic signature. Meanwhile, the Hyacinth V2U cultivates a distinctive separation between the two. The nylon bottom complements the clearer notes produced by the polycarbonate top, creating a typing experience marked by a pronounced contrast between the softer bottoming-out sound and the crisper release. Thus, while both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, their distinct top materials lead to a varied auditory experience that can cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Hyacinth V2U is a bit lighter at 45 grams. This means that typists looking for a lighter switch may prefer the Hyacinth V2U for longer typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate. In terms of bottom out forces, the Glory Yellow's value is unknown, whereas the Hyacinth V2U has a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorized as medium-light. This suggests that while the Hyacinth V2U provides a slightly firmer feel upon bottoming out, the absence of the Glory Yellow's bottom out force in specifications leaves its overall feedback during heavy keystrokes uncertain. Therefore, if a user values a lighter actuation for ease of use over extended periods, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U would be the preferable option, while those seeking a more substantial push may lean towards the Glory Yellow, although its bottoming out experience remains indeterminate.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, the Glory Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hyacinth V2U measures slightly shorter at 3.9 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow offers a more traditional depth, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming, as it allows for a noticeable actuation point. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U, with its shorter travel distance, could appeal to gamers who prefer quicker responses and a more abrupt feel with each key press. Therefore, if you're seeking a deeper experience while typing, the Glory Yellow would be the better option, while those aiming for speed and responsiveness might favor the Hyacinth V2U.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is often characterized by its pleasant auditory profile, though specifics were not provided. In contrast, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U features a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a broad range of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Additionally, the V2U is described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This makes the V2U more discreet compared to many typical mechanical switches, leading to a typing experience that doesn’t overpower the ambient noise. The perceived sound quality will ultimately vary based on factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, but if you prefer something more muted and refined, the Sillyworks V2U may stand out.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow's qualities are not specifically outlined, but the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch is celebrated for its polished and silky characteristics. The polished aspect indicates a smooth and refined finish, leading to a comfortable typing experience with less friction. The silky nature of these switches further enhances this feel, allowing for minimal resistance during key presses and releases. This combination suggests that the V2U delivers a seamless typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a refined touch. The Glory Yellow may offer a satisfactory typing experience as well, but without specific descriptors, it's difficult to make a direct comparison regarding feel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is recognized for a smooth keystroke that provides an enjoyable typing experience, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance and enhanced auditory qualities. The V2U offers a polished and silky feel, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize typing smoothness and sound dampening. When selecting between the two, personal preferences will play a crucial role—especially considering that sound and feel can be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap combination you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switches, your decision will largely depend on your personal preference for the typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke with an unknown bottom out force that is likely lighter than that of the Hyacinth, the Glory Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. It offers a pleasant travel distance that is great for fast, fluid typing, which is particularly beneficial if you enjoy gaming or high-speed typing. On the other hand, if you seek a more traditional typing feel with a defined bottom out force of 52 grams, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U provides a more substantial tactile experience. The V2U’s fuller travel distance, coupled with its additional bounciness and softer, bassier sound, makes it a wonderful option for those who prefer a more nuanced auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the lighter, smoother Glory Yellow or the polished, silky feel of the Hyacinth V2U, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences and environments.
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