HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Durock Medium Tactile are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Hyacinth V2 is a linear switch known for its crisp top-out sound and resonant 'clack' that offers a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. If you're looking for a switch that provides depth in auditory feedback, the Hyacinth V2 is a top recommendation. For those who prefer a tactile switch with a unique feel, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great choice. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Durock Medium Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the difference may lie in the nylon bottom housing of the two switches. While the Hyacinth V2's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Durock Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Although both switches have polycarbonate top housings that produce similar sound profiles, the difference in their nylon bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience. The split qualities of the bottom and top housing materials in each switch will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. The Hyacinth V2's softer nylon bottom housing may provide a more cushioned typing experience, resulting in a deeper sound profile, while the Durock Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing may absorb more sound, creating a duller sound overall.
In conclusion, the choice between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Durock Medium Tactile will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, with the Hyacinth V2 providing a potentially fuller and deeper sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Durock Medium Tactile may offer a softer and more muted sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches have something to offer for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, the key difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Medium Tactile switch has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Hyacinth V2 for longer usage periods, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Medium Tactile switch for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, making it shorter than the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth V2 may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Medium Tactile switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Hyacinth V2 providing a quicker, more responsive feel, and the Medium Tactile offering a more deliberate keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 linear switch stands out for its clacky and resonant 'clack' sound, providing a satisfying acoustic experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature, creating a unique auditory feedback that balances pronounced tactility with a softer sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Hyacinth V2 emphasizing a sharp and crisp sound, while the Medium Tactile delivers a more muted and tactile-oriented experience.
In terms of feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. This means users can expect smooth and effortless key presses, reduced friction, refined key travel, and an overall responsive feel when using this switch. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is characterized by its accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing experience. This translates to a tactile switch with a balanced tactility, providing a moderate level of tactile feedback without being overwhelming, along with smooth key travel and a refined finish.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Hyacinth V2 emphasizes a clacky sound profile and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Medium Tactile provides a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced, medium tactile feel. Whether you prioritize a sharp and resonant sound experience or a balanced tactile feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch or the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a crisp, deep 'clack' sound and a smooth, creamy typing feel, the Hyacinth V2 may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a polished, mild typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile could be the ideal switch for your keyboard setup. Consider the sound and feel characteristics that appeal to you the most when making your decision between these two switches.
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