HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both of which are linear switches. The Hyacinth V2 is recognized for its long stem pole, resulting in a crisp top-out sound with a deep 'clack' that provides a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts who value both sound and performance, as it offers a blend of clacky, creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a shaking spray paint can. Classified as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, this switch offers a different auditory experience compared to the Hyacinth V2. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences and specific requirements. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Black, one can see distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Hyacinth V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both offer a satisfying sound, the Hyacinth V2 has a sharper tone compared to the more rounded sound of the Ink Box Black.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Hyacinth V2 boasts a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black also utilizes their proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, offering a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Despite their different compositions, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the typing experience for the user.

Ultimately, the choice between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Black will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches have unique characteristics due to their housing materials, their top and bottom housings play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of the Hyacinth V2 with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, or the clacky and pointed sound of the Gateron Ink Box Black with its proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings, each switch offers a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the heavier 60 grams required for the Ink Box Black. Similarly, the bottom out force is also lighter for the Hyacinth V2 at 52 grams, whereas the Ink Box Black requires a heavier 70 grams to bottom out. This means that the Hyacinth V2 provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users in practical terms, as they both offer relatively quick key presses. However, for those who are more sensitive to slight variations in travel distance, the Ink Box Black may provide a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Hyacinth V2. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for the amount of depth felt when typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch offers a distinct deep 'clack' sound that resonates with enthusiasts seeking a crisp and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides a sound signature that is reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, offering a unique auditory experience. Both switches fall under the 'clacky' descriptor, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Depending on your preference for sound profiles, either switch can deliver a pleasing acoustic experience when combined with the right keyboard and keycap choices.

Moving on to feel, both the Hyacinth V2 and the Ink Box Black linear switches offer smooth and effortless typing experiences. The Hyacinth V2 is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky, providing a buttery and polished typing sensation that glides effortlessly with each keystroke. Similarly, the Ink Box Black switch is noted for its silky and polished feel, minimizing resistance and offering a smooth key travel experience. Both switches excel in providing a premium typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience, making them favorable choices for users who appreciate smooth and refined switches.

In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch both excel in sound and feel, offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Hyacinth V2 emphasizes a deep 'clack' sound and a creamy typing sensation, the Ink Box Black prioritizes a spray paint-like sound and polished key feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and typing experience. However, rest assured that both switches will deliver a premium mechanical keyboard experience that is sure to satisfy enthusiasts looking for top-tier performance.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a crisp top-out sound and a resonant 'clack' with a medium-light bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a higher bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to determine what specific features you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more