HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2 is praised for its crisp top-out sound and distinctive deep 'clack', providing a resonant and satisfying auditory experience for enthusiasts seeking depth in feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Hyacinth V2 is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy', the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, offering a choice between a more pronounced auditory feedback with the Hyacinth V2, or a smoother typing experience with the Sea Salt Lemon. 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
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from both switches when it comes to the top housing material.
On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 and Sea Salt Lemon differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Hyacinth V2 utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, meaning that users can expect a consistent typing experience from both switches due to the shared material for the bottom housing.
While the top and bottom housings of the Hyacinth V2 and Sea Salt Lemon differ in material, the impact of each housing material on the overall sound profile is distinct. The bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. This division of qualities between the two housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon in each switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches are quite similar, with both having an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Hyacinth V2 has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making the Sea Salt Lemon slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. This difference may be subtle, but it can affect the typing experience for those who prefer a slightly firmer key press. Ultimately, both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions but also want a little more weight when bottoming out for a more satisfying typing feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, the Hyacinth V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Hyacinth V2 offers a shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Sea Salt Lemon being slightly longer than the Hyacinth V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance in keyboard switches.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 linear switch offers a distinct 'clacky' sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound profile is known for its resonant and satisfying acoustic experience, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking depth in their typing sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. When considering the sound of these switches, it is important to note that the overall typing experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2 is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These attributes contribute to a smooth and buttery feel, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Sea Salt Lemon, on the other hand, is characterized as providing a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. While the Hyacinth V2 boasts a range of qualities that contribute to a luxurious typing feel, the Sea Salt Lemon focuses on providing a comfortable and easy typing experience without extreme characteristics.
In conclusion, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches have unique qualities that cater to specific preferences and typing styles. The Hyacinth V2 excels in providing a clacky sound and a creamy, silky feel for users seeking a more robust and luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched and mild sound, paired with a gentle and approachable feel that is suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky, resonant sound with a creamy, frictionless typing experience, the Hyacinth V2 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched, neutral sound with a mild, approachable typing sensation, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would cater to your preferences better. Both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, so it really boils down to whether you prioritize the auditory feedback or the tactile feel of the switch. Ultimately, the decision rests on what kind of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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