HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the PH Studio Milk Tea, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Hyacinth V2 is renowned for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack', appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of sound and performance. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a high-pitched yet muted auditory experience, with a light bottom-out force and enhanced typing comfort thanks to its stem material. While both switches offer qualities like a polished feel and silky keystrokes, they cater to different preferences in sound and typing sensations. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the PH Studio Milk Tea feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Hyacinth V2's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, making it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a different auditory experience. While both materials are distinct in their sound characteristics, they each offer a pleasing and unique typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Hyacinth V2 utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing contributes to the switch's deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact in each switch, it becomes apparent that they play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or POM, influence the sound and feel of pressing down on a key, contributing to the bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing material, such as polycarbonate or POM, affects the sound when releasing a key. By carefully selecting housing materials for both the top and bottom, manufacturers can create switches with distinct sound profiles that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Hyacinth V2 is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Hyacinth V2 falls into the medium-light category, while the Milk Tea is classified as a light switch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Hyacinth V2 due to its heavier force requirements, while users looking for a smoother and lighter typing feel may opt for the Milk Tea. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and user comfort when using these switches.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard market, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. However, the subtle difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, whether you choose the Hyacinth V2 or the Milk Tea switch will depend on your personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switch is recognized for its deep 'clack' sound, creating a resonant and satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch offers a unique high-pitched sound with a muted essence, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Both switches fall under the category of 'clacky' keyboard switches, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, but the Hyacinth V2 leans towards a brighter and percussive tone, while the Milk Tea embodies a cleaner and resonant profile with a touch of marbly resonance. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches may vary based on individual tastes and the overall keyboard setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2 is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness, reduced friction, and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is also noted for its polished and silky feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimized resistance during key presses and releases. Both switches deliver a premium typing feel with their focus on smoothness and fluidity, catering to users who value a luxurious and responsive typing experience. Choosing between the two switches for the tactile sensation ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth V2 excels in providing a deep and resonant 'clack' sound coupled with a creamy and frictionless typing feel, while the Milk Tea stands out for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile and polished, silky typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a brighter or cleaner sound, and a creamy or silky feel, both switches provide excellent options for those seeking a premium mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches and setups will help you determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, consider your priorities. If you prioritize a deep, resonant 'clack' sound and a seamless blend of sound and performance, the Hyacinth V2 may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a high-pitched yet muted sound and a smooth, polished typing experience, the Milk Tea could be the ideal option, especially for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value auditory feedback, performance, or typing comfort more in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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