HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts are presented with two distinct options that each offer unique features. The Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, is renowned for its long stem pole that ensures a crisp top-out sound with a deep 'clack', providing a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3, also a linear switch, is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky, seamless typing experience. Both switches offer a blend of sound and performance, but the Hyacinth V2 stands out for its depth in auditory feedback, while the Lightning Silver V3 boasts enhanced RGB illumination with its light diffuser. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows the light to shine through brightly. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth V2 utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer nature. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material.
In terms of sound and feel, the choice of housing material for the bottom of the switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience. With the nylon bottom housing of the Hyacinth V2, users can expect a more muted and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing will result in a sharper and more resonant sound upon key presses. These differences in bottom housing materials can influence the tactile feedback and overall typing feel for users who prefer a specific sound profile.
While both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 share a polycarbonate top housing, the contrast in their bottom housing materials highlights the unique typing experiences each switch offers. The split qualities of the housing materials allow users to feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a softer and fuller sound profile with nylon or a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate, these differences in housing materials cater to varying preferences in tactile feedback and typing sound.
Weight
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth V2 is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Hyacinth V2 provides a medium-light feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches allow for a comfortable typing experience, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to individual preferences of a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we can see that the Hyacinth V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Lightning Silver V3 at 3.4 mm. Despite the minimal difference of 0.1 mm, this can still impact the overall feel and response of the switches. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferred by those seeking quick and precise key presses, such as gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Hyacinth V2 may appeal to users looking for a more substantial and satisfying key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 deep, clacky 'clack' sound that provides a resonant and satisfying auditory experience with every key press. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 also features a clacky sound profile but with a high-pitched tone, contributing to a sharp and crisp sound when typing. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Hyacinth V2 focusing on a deep resonance and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a brighter, high-pitched sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2 presents a creamy, polished, and frictionless typing experience, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke with each press. The switch is described as silky, allowing for a seamless and refined typing feel that minimizes resistance and enhances overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 is highlighted for its silky smoothness, emphasizing a consistently smooth and frictionless typing experience that eliminates any unnecessary resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize a smooth and polished typing feel, providing users with a premium and satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While both switches share similarities such as a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, they each bring their own unique characteristics to the table. Whether you prefer a deep and resonant sound like the Hyacinth V2 or a bright and high-pitched tone like the Lightning Silver V3, both switches deliver exceptional performance and typing comfort for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a crisp and resonant top-out sound with medium-light bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2 might be the ideal choice for you. Its blend of clacky, creamy, and frictionless characteristics provides a unique typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking depth in auditory feedback and a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound signature coupled with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more suitable. With a slightly higher bottom out force, this switch offers a seamless and vibrant typing experience, enhanced by its light diffuser for RGB illumination. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preferences for sound, feel, and overall keyboard experience. Choose wisely based on what resonates with your typing style and preferences.
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