HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, is beloved for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack', providing enthusiasts with a satisfying acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver, also a linear switch, stands out for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to its short travel distance and feather-light touch. While the Hyacinth V2 is valued for its blend of sound and performance, the Smoothie Silver is recognized for its smoothness and thocky sound. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we see that they both offer unique benefits in terms of sound profiles. The Hyacinth V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which brings about a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver boasts a POM top housing that creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a clearer and resonant sound, while POM offers a more mellow and rounded sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of the two switches, we see a similar trend. The Hyacinth V2's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Likewise, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and relatively muted sound profile. Both materials provide a unique typing experience with their respective sound characteristics, giving users the option to choose based on their sound preferences.
In terms of how the housing materials impact the overall typing experience, the split between top and bottom housing qualities is important to note. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows users to tailor their typing experience based on the specific qualities they prefer in a switch, whether it be a sharper, crisper sound from a polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, more muted sound from a POM top housing. Overall, both the Hyacinth V2 and the Smoothie Silver offer unique sound profiles thanks to their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Hyacinth V2 has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. The Hyacinth V2 can be considered medium-light in terms of weight, offering a balance between typing comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's weight is unclear, but it may potentially provide a lighter typing experience due to the lack of a specified bottom out force. When comparing the two switches, the Hyacinth V2 offers a more defined and tactile typing experience with its known bottom out force, while the Smoothie Silver's weight remains a mystery. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Hyacinth V2 catering to those who prefer a slightly heavier key press and the Smoothie Silver potentially appealing to those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking fast response times, particularly gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, as both switches offer a relatively quick actuation point. However, if the travel distance is a crucial factor for you, the Hyacinth V2 would be the slightly longer option compared to the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance will depend on whether you prioritize quick key presses or a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 distinctive deep 'clack' sound that provides a resonant and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is known for a thocky sound, which is smooth and has a unique depth to it. Both switches provide a pleasant sound profile, with the Hyacinth V2 offering a sharper and snappier sound compared to the Smoothie Silver's smoother and more subtle thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth V2 is described with qualities such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is known for its all-POM construction, offering unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, which may provide a different typing feel compared to the Hyacinth V2. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Hyacinth V2 focusing on a creamy and polished feel while the Smoothie Silver prioritizes smoothness and a light touch.
Overall, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Hyacinth V2 provides a distinctive deep 'clack' sound and a creamy, polished feel, the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness with a feather-light touch. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you appreciate a deep 'clack' sound with a medium-light bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2 is the perfect choice for a tactile acoustic experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver is the ideal option for smooth and efficient typing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the seamless blend of sound and performance offered by the Hyacinth V2 or the unparalleled smoothness and speed of the Smoothie Silver.
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