HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, showcase distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Hyacinth V2 is renowned for its crisp top-out sound and resonant 'clack' that provides a satisfying auditory experience, perfect for enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown offers a more classic keystroke feel with its tactile feedback and medium-heavy weight, appealing to users looking for a traditional yet innovative switch design. Both switches boast high-precision molds and aesthetic appeal, but the Hyacinth V2 excels in auditory feedback while the Jupiter Brown provides a tactile typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
Both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Jupiter Brown feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile and typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Hyacinth V2 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the differences in appearance and branding, both switches offer a comparable typing experience due to the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Jupiter Brown results in a balanced sound profile that caters to different preferences. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for distinct impacts on the sound and feel of typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prioritize a crisper sound profile with the Hyacinth V2 or a deeper and fuller sound with the Jupiter Brown, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that showcases the unique properties of their respective housing materials.
Weight
Overall, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch is lighter than the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Hyacinth V2 requires less force to actuate at 45 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth V2 is 52 grams, which is lower than the Jupiter Brown's 70 grams. This makes the Hyacinth V2 more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their specific preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter distance compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Hyacinth V2 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster keystroke inputs. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Hyacinth V2 being the shorter option and the Jupiter Brown being the longer option.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 offers a distinct 'clack' that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory experience for enthusiasts seeking depth in their keyboard's sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, so it may offer a more traditional and muted typing sound. However, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2 is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, all indicating a smooth and responsive typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is described as mild, polished, and stepped, suggesting a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined feel, possibly featuring a two-stage tactile feedback.
Overall, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and creamy, frictionless feel, offering a unique and satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a crisp top-out sound and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch blends tradition with innovation, providing a more classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight with a mild and polished tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver a high level of performance and aesthetic appeal, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for different types of users.
Conclusion
In closing, it is important to consider your preferences and typing style when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch. If you prioritize a crisp top-out sound and a deep 'clack' for a satisfying auditory experience, the Hyacinth V2 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic keystroke feel with medium-heavy weight and tactile feedback, the Jupiter Brown may be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences, so consider what matters most to you in your typing experience before making a decision.
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