HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Melodic. The Hyacinth V2 is a linear switch that is highly praised for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack', providing a satisfying auditory experience for keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that offers a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, thanks to advancements such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. While the Hyacinth V2 is known for its seamless blend of sound and performance, the Melodic stands out for its smoothness and classic clicky 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Melodic both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches share this feature, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing, the Hyacinth V2 opts for nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a deeper sound profile. Despite their similarities in bottom housing material, the switches may still offer slight variations in sound and feel due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design.
When comparing the overall sound and feel of the two switches, the differences in housing materials can be felt and heard during typing. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Both the Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Melodic showcase how the choice of housing materials can result in distinct typing experiences, even if they share similarities in certain aspects. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth V2 is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Melodic's unknown force. However, when considering bottom out force, the Melodic is heavier at 60 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2's 52 grams. The Hyacinth V2 provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Melodic offers a medium one. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while bottom out force is important for the overall typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier force will depend on personal preferences and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect how the switch feels and responds when typing or gaming. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Hyacinth V2 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may prefer the Melodic with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 comparing the sound of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the Hyacinth V2 offers a distinctive deep 'clack' sound, whereas the Melodic provides a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The Hyacinth V2's sound is described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy tone, while the Melodic is noted for being resonant and crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in sound output.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2 is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy feel which translates to a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Melodic is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. While the Hyacinth V2 focuses on offering various levels of smoothness and responsiveness in the key presses, the Melodic emphasizes a consistent and satisfying typing experience with well-defined feedback.
Taking into account all the available information, it is evident that both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excel in their respective sound and feel qualities. Depending on personal preferences for sound (clacky or resonant/crunchy) and feel (creamy/polished/silky or buttery/invigorating), users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and desired tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences, offering a range of options for enthusiasts looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a deep, clacky sound with a creamy, frictionless feel, the Hyacinth V2 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a resonant, crunchy sound with a buttery, invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing experience when making your decision between these two exceptional switches.
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