HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) are two excellent choices for mechanical keyboard switches, both offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, is well-known for its long stem pole that produces a crisp top-out sound, creating a satisfying auditory experience for enthusiasts seeking depth in their keyboard feedback. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) also a linear switch, stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, coupled with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth keystroke experience. While both switches share 'clacky' characteristics, each offers a different blend of sound and performance, making them ideal choices for users looking for specific qualities in their mechanical keyboards. 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in their top housing composition. The Hyacinth V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) opts for a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the Hyacinth V2's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique and pleasing sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Hyacinth V2 and the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. This shared bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality between the two switches. Despite having different top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a similar deep and full sound profile.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch affects the sound and feel of typing. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, play a significant role when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the top housing of the Hyacinth V2 and the Strawberry Wine (V2) differs, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a somewhat consistent typing experience in terms of sound, with each switch offering its own unique sound profile based on the top housing material used.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, causing a similar light touch needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2 requires 52 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Strawberry Wine (V2) which bottoms out at 50 grams. This means that the Hyacinth V2 offers a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a lighter feel which may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The Hyacinth V2 would provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2), which may feel slightly more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience. The Hyacinth V2 specifically boasts a deep 'clack' that provides a resonant and satisfying acoustic feedback with every key press, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch also features resonant and high-pitched notes that contribute to a clean and sharp sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasing clacky sound, giving users a satisfying auditory experience that enhances their typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth V2 is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is specifically described as silky, providing users with an exceptionally smooth typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches aim to deliver a buttery and refined typing sensation, ensuring that users can type comfortably and efficiently without any hindrance.
In conclusion, while both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer similar clacky sound profiles, their feel may vary slightly. The Hyacinth V2 provides a range of qualities such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, catering to users who value a smooth and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch specifically focuses on delivering a silky smooth typing experience, prioritizing a refined and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the user's typing experience, offering a combination of sound and feel qualities that will surely appeal to keyboard enthusiasts seeking a top-tier mechanical switch option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, your decision may ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prioritize a deep and resonant 'clack' sound that offers a satisfying auditory experience, the Hyacinth V2 may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and impeccable factory lubrication for a silky smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) could be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so take into consideration what aspects of sound and feel are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Hyacinth V2 and Strawberry Wine (V2) will depend on your individual preferences for your ideal typing experience.
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