HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, and the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, offer distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Hyacinth V2 is renowned for its deep 'clack' sound and crisp top-out sound, making it a top choice for those who seek a satisfying auditory feedback from their keyboard. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch lacks a standout feature like the Hyacinth V2 but still provides a tactile feel that many users appreciate. While the Hyacinth V2 offers a seamless blend of sound and performance, the Crystal Brown is known for its tactile response. In making a decision between the two switches, it's important to consider your preferences for sound and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This translates to a clear and resonant sound experience, making them ideal choices for users who value sound quality in their mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. In terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches offer similar benefits with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 boasts a nylon construction that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities in terms of sound depth and fullness. Despite having different top housings, both switches share the characteristic of providing a more subdued sound experience with their nylon bottom housings.
In terms of tactile experience, the qualities of the bottom housing material are more prominent when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether it's the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2 or the Crystal Brown, or the nylon bottom housing of both switches, users can expect a unique sound profile and tactile feedback from each component of the switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound characteristics and tactile response.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2 requires 52 grams, while the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams, making the Crystal Brown slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to press the key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Hyacinth V2 may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Hyacinth V2 offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it popular among gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press experience.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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 Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch offers a distinctive deep 'clack' sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback experience. On the other hand, there is no specific sound description available for the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth V2 is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. This means that users can expect smooth and buttery keystrokes with minimal resistance and friction, resulting in a refined and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch stands out for its distinct 'clacky' sound and smooth, polished feel that enhances the overall typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remain unknown, users can expect similar results in sound and feel factors based on their preferences for a linear or tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Hyacinth V2 and the Crystal Brown will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, you should consider your preference for auditory feedback and typing experience. If you value a crisp and resonant 'clack' sound with a seamless blend of sound and performance, the Hyacinth V2 may be the perfect choice for you. It offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky typing experience that enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and do not have specific sound preferences, the Crystal Brown switch could be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of feedback and feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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