HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Kailh Sage present contrasting options to consider. The Hyacinth V2, known for its linear design, boasts a crisp top-out sound and a deep 'clack' that provides a satisfying acoustic experience for enthusiasts looking for depth in their keyboard's auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness that invigorates the typing process. While the Hyacinth V2 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy', the Sage is labeled as 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Crunchy'. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 the Kailh Sage both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches offer similar benefits when it comes to the top housing material.
The Hyacinth V2 and the Kailh Sage also both utilize nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The softer nature of nylon is beneficial in absorbing sound and creating a rounder, duller noise. This results in a different typing experience compared to switches with stiffer bottom housings. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, this material choice is where they differ from the polycarbonate top housing, providing distinct acoustic properties.
When it comes to the typing experience, the differences in the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Kailh Sage become more apparent. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel in different ways. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials adds depth and complexity to the overall typing experience offered by these switches.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Sage has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a medium-heavy feel. This means that the Hyacinth V2 is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Sage, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Sage is heavier in terms of bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on whether the user prioritizes a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quick response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt feeling when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Hyacinth V2, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may find the Sage to be more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches, providing a quicker and more responsive typing experience overall.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 clacky experience with a sharp and snappy sound that resonates with enthusiasts seeking depth in their auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a crunchy typing experience with a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. Both switches offer distinct sounds that cater to different preferences, with the Hyacinth V2 focusing on a crisp top-out sound and the Sage delivering a distinct clicky experience akin to stepping on autumn leaves.
Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth V2 is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, offering a smooth, buttery typing experience with minimal resistance or friction, resulting in a sleek and refined typing feel. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch is noted for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a pronounced feedback intensity and a firm actuation force that creates an immersive and reactive typing sensation. While the Hyacinth V2 emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness, the Sage focuses on strong tactile bumps and feedback intensity for a more pronounced typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it's clear that they offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2 excels in providing a clacky sound with a seamless blend of sound and performance, paired with a smooth and polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Kailh Sage stands out for its crunchy sound and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a sharp and clicky typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound depth or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard, these switches provide unique options for enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a crisp and resonant top-out sound with a medium-light bottom out force, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch would be an excellent choice. Its seamless blend of sound and performance makes it a top recommendation for those who value auditory feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Kailh Sage switch would be more suitable for you. The Sage offers a sharp and crunchy sound, coupled with a tactile and invigorating feel that provides a satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard.
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