HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, one can easily discern the key differences between the two. The Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, is renowned for its distinctive deep 'clack' sound and seamless blend of sound and performance, making it a top choice for enthusiasts craving auditory feedback depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, catering to individuals who seek a satisfying and silent typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and 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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and Outemu Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiff nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate housing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect. With both switches sharing this housing material, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either the Hyacinth V2 or the Silent Grey.
In contrast, the Hyacinth V2 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing's sharper sound. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. On the other hand, the Silent Grey also features a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar experience in terms of sound when bottoming out keys. This split between the different housing materials allows for a combination of qualities, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Hyacinth V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar crisp and clear sound profile, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches provides a different typing experience in terms of depth and fullness. Whether you prefer a sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2 or a rounder sound from the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth V2 is also lighter at 52 grams, while the Silent Grey requires a heavier 65 grams to bottom out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Hyacinth V2, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Silent Grey provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. In summary, the Hyacinth V2 is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Outemu Silent Grey is heavier, providing users with different options based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Hyacinth V2 offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more deliberate keystroke. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Hyacinth V2 prioritizing speed and the Silent Grey focusing on tactility and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing 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 Silent Grey 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
When it comes to sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 offers a clacky and sharp sound that provides a crisp and percussive experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet and non-clicky operation, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a silent typing environment. While the Hyacinth V2 caters to enthusiasts looking for a deep and resonant auditory feedback, the Silent Grey switch focuses on delivering a tactile typing experience without the loud clacking noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth V2 is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These qualities suggest a smooth and refined keystroke with minimal resistance and enhanced responsiveness. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch remains unknown. However, based on the information provided, we can infer that it is likely to offer a tactile and smooth typing experience without the tactile bump that some users may prefer.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Hyacinth V2 excels in providing a clacky and satisfying typing sound paired with a range of smooth and responsive tactile experiences, the Outemu Silent Grey switch focuses on delivering a quiet and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
Therefore, when selecting between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preference for auditory feedback and typing experience. If you value a crisp, deep 'clack' sound and a seamless blend of sound and performance, the Hyacinth V2 would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a more resonant auditory feedback or a silent and satisfying tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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