HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Durock Ice King Linear stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Hyacinth V2 is praised for its long stem pole that produces a crisp top-out sound, resulting in a deep 'clack' that provides a satisfying auditory experience for keyboard enthusiasts looking for depth in sound feedback. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While both switches share characteristics such as being creamy, polished, and frictionless, they offer slightly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Durock Ice King Linear both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Hyacinth V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2 is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Hyacinth V2 and the Ice King Linear use nylon, known for creating a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a more muffled sound when the switches are pressed. This similarity in bottom housing material allows for a consistent experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches. However, the differences in their top housing materials will still play a role in the overall sound profile, with the polycarbonate of the Hyacinth V2 providing a crisper sound upon key release and the nylon of the Ice King Linear offering a deeper sound.
Overall, the choice between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Durock Ice King Linear will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2 creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear produces a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, resulting in a consistent deep sound when pressed. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, these housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience with each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Hyacinth V2 is the lighter option with a 45-gram actuation force and a 52-gram bottom out force, while the Ice King Linear is slightly heavier with a 52-gram actuation force and a 62-gram bottom out force. The Hyacinth V2 provides a medium-light feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a medium feel, providing a more substantial push for those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of performance and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. While they both provide a consistent typing experience with their identical travel distances, the shorter travel distance compared to other switches may result in quicker key actuation and potentially faster typing speeds. Overall, whether you choose the Hyacinth V2 or the Ice King Linear, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch is known for its clacky and sharp sound, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback with a resonant 'clack' in each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature when compared to most switches. The choice between the two would depend on personal preferences, with the Hyacinth V2 catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced and percussive sound, while the Ice King Linear appeals to individuals who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Hyacinth V2 and the Ice King Linear offer a silky typing experience due to their smooth construction and generous factory lube application. The Hyacinth V2 is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, and snappy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance or friction. Similarly, the Ice King Linear is also characterized as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, emphasizing a fluid and effortless typing feel with a refined finish. Overall, both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, ensuring a pleasant tactile experience for users.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch both excel in offering a satisfying and smooth typing experience, with subtle differences in sound characteristics. While the Hyacinth V2 leans towards a more clacky and sharp sound profile, the Ice King Linear provides a quieter and more subdued typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and the desired tactile feedback, as both switches offer comparable levels of smoothness and ease in typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a crisp and deep 'clack' sound in your keyboard switches, along with a medium-light bottom out force, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. This switch offers a unique blend of sound and performance that is sure to satisfy enthusiasts seeking a more auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you value a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a more subdued sound profile, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is the way to go. With its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, this switch provides a frictionless and polished typing feel that is hard to beat.
Ultimately, the choice between the Hyacinth V2 and Ice King Linear switches will come down to your preference for sound and feel. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly. Happy typing!
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