HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the SP-Star Meteor White are both linear switches that offer unique features for keyboard enthusiasts. The Hyacinth V2 stands out for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack', providing a satisfying auditory experience for those looking for depth in their keyboard feedback. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a more subdued experience with its easy-to-push design and gentle pitter-patter sound profile, making it a soft and pleasant option for users. While the Hyacinth V2 is praised for its clacky and snappy feel, the Meteor White is known for its thocky and polished characteristics. Both switches have their own strengths, 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
57g
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
Nylon
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
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the SP-Star Meteor White both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Hyacinth V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Meteor White boasts a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While they both offer unique sound characteristics, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a sharper or a fuller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Hyacinth V2 and the Meteor White use nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to stiffer plastics. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches will be similar in terms of the qualities nylon brings. While they may differ slightly in sound characteristics due to other factors, the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a consistent typing experience with its absorbent properties.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the SP-Star Meteor White play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2 for a sharper sound or the softer nylon top housing of the Meteor White for a fuller sound, each switch offers a unique typing experience. While they share a nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile, the differences in their top housings highlight the importance of housing materials in creating distinct auditory experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, a few key differences stand out. The Hyacinth V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Meteor White has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 57 grams, also placing it in the medium-light category. While the actuation force of the Meteor White is not specified, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their medium-light bottom out force. In terms of weight preference, the Hyacinth V2 would be considered the lighter option, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Meteor White would provide a slightly stronger push feel for users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth V2. The traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm, making the Meteor White closer to the standard, while the Hyacinth V2 offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers, who typically prefer faster response times, may lean towards the Hyacinth V2 with its shorter travel distance. However, those who enjoy a more robust keypress may prefer the extra depth provided by the Meteor White with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that the user is looking for.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch is renowned for its distinctively deep and clacky sound profile, offering users a resonant and satisfying auditory experience with every key press. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a more subdued and pitter-patter sound profile that is gentle and soft in nature. While the Hyacinth V2 delivers a sharp and snappy sound, the Meteor White produces a neutral sound with a thocky quality, resulting in a more moderate and mellow auditory feedback. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used alongside it.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Hyacinth V2 is lauded for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering users a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance or friction. The Meteor White, on the other hand, provides a milder and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. While the Hyacinth V2 boasts a range of descriptors such as silky and snappy to describe its feel, the Meteor White offers a more approachable and middle-ground typing experience that caters to a broader range of users.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch stands out for its deep and clacky sound profile coupled with a creamy and polished typing feel, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a resonant auditory feedback and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a more subdued and pitter-patter sound profile with a milder and polished typing experience that is approachable to a wider audience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring a customized typing experience for every user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 or the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a distinct, clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Hyacinth V2 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a mild, polished feel, the Meteor White may be the better option. Consider your priorities when it comes to auditory feedback and typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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