HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Cherry MX Silent Red 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 Cherry MX Silent Red are two popular options to consider. The Hyacinth V2 is praised for its deep 'clack' sound that offers a unique auditory experience, perfect for enthusiasts looking for a blend of sound and performance in their typing. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red provides a similar typing feel to the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Hyacinth V2 is known for its clacky and polished feel, the MX Silent Red is categorized as muted and thocky. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and specific 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is clear that while the Hyacinth V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, the MX Silent Red uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2 creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique acoustic qualities that can enhance the overall feel of the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Hyacinth V2 and the MX Silent Red utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for its softness, which can absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound profile. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. While the bottom housing may not have as much of an impact on the typing feel as the top housing, it still plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch.
It is worth noting that the combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings in a switch can create a balanced typing experience. The characteristics of the bottom housing, such as sound absorption and impact on bottom-out sound and feel, complement those of the top housing, which may impact the sound when releasing a key. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2 or the softer nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences and needs of users. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials depends on individual preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a bit more resistance when fully pressed compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red, whose bottom out force is unknown. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Hyacinth V2, while the Cherry MX Silent Red may feel lighter and more responsive. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight considerations.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches offer shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them ideal choices for gamers seeking faster response times. The Hyacinth V2 would be the shorter of the two, providing a more immediate feedback when pressed, while the MX Silent Red offers a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 and Cherry MX Silent Red offer contrasting experiences. The Hyacinth V2 produces a clacky and resonant sound, providing a sharp and percussive auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, significantly reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Hyacinth V2 focuses on a crisp and bright sound, the MX Silent Red prioritizes a quieter and more soothing typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2 is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy qualities, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with enhanced responsiveness. In contrast, the MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, implying some noticeable friction when pressed. This texture may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes, while the Hyacinth V2's smoother and more fluid travel may cater to those who enjoy a silky typing sensation.
Considering the described qualities of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and Cherry MX Silent Red switches, it is evident that they offer distinct sound and feel experiences. The Hyacinth V2 excels in providing a clacky and resonant sound paired with a creamy and polished typing feel, giving users a satisfying combination of auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red prioritizes a quieter sound profile and a textured feel, catering to individuals who seek a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that you'll achieve different results based on the switch you select.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in sound and feel. If you prioritize a crisp and resonant auditory experience with a clacky sound profile, the Hyacinth V2 would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with a muted, thocky sound profile, the MX Silent Red would be the optimal selection. Consider your environment and personal typing preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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