HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Oil King mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2 is renowned for its crisp top-out sound and resonant 'clack,' providing enthusiasts with a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bassy sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches are categorized as creamy, silky, and polished, offering a premium feel to users. 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
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Oil King both utilize different materials for their housing components, with the Hyacinth V2 featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Oil King incorporates a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on it sound more satisfyingly clacky. Additionally, the Hyacinth V2's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, similar to the Oil King's nylon top housing.
While both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Oil King offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they do share some similarities. Specifically, the nylon material used in the Hyacinth V2's bottom housing and the Oil King's top housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more rounded and dull sound. However, the polycarbonate top housing in the Hyacinth V2 creates a different sound profile compared to the Oil King's nylon top housing, with the former producing a sharper and crisper sound quality.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the sound profile and typing experience. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Gateron Oil King's use of nylon and proprietary INK blend materials produces a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the characteristics of their housing materials, catering to different preferences and needs for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a sharper and resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both the Hyacinth V2 and the Oil King offer distinct options for customizing your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth V2 is lighter in both aspects. The Hyacinth V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Hyacinth V2 more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, the Hyacinth V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Hyacinth V2 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which makes it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a bit more depth in each key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired key feel and responsiveness. Both switches offer a different experience, so users should consider their typing style and preferences when making a decision.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 Hyacinth V2 offers a clacky experience with a sharp and snappy sound, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Oil King produces a low-pitched and bassy sound, akin to the rich tones of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Hyacinth V2 delivering a resonant 'clack' and the Oil King offering a smoother, bass-heavy sound.
Moving on to the feel, both the Hyacinth V2 and the Oil King are described as creamy and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. Users can expect a frictionless and polished feel with either switch, with a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches are designed to offer a premium typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Overall, while the Hyacinth V2 and the Oil King offer slightly different sound profiles, they both deliver a creamy and silky feel that ensures a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky top-out sound of the Hyacinth V2 or the low-pitched bass of the Oil King, you can expect similar levels of smoothness and responsiveness from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific sound and feel characteristics that you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a crisp and resonant top-out sound with a deep 'clack' for a satisfying auditory experience, the Hyacinth V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Oil King might be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams, opt for the Hyacinth V2, whereas if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Oil King would be your pick. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound, feel, and actuation force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for an enhanced typing experience.
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