HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, is well-known for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack', providing a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue, also a linear switch, stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a bouncy feel with each keystroke thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Hyacinth V2 is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the Tourmaline Blue is labeled as 'buttery', 'easy-to-press', and 'mild'. These general descriptions can help you choose the best switch for your preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the most informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both keyboards utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiff plastic material contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Hyacinth V2 incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharp and crisp sound profile that complements the top housing material.
Despite both keyboards having a polycarbonate top housing material, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The Hyacinth V2's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and resonant characteristics of the top housing. These variations in housing materials result in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for each keyboard. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housings impacts the overall typing feel and sound output of each switch.
In conclusion, although the Hyacinth V2 and the Tourmaline Blue share similarities in their top housing material, their differences in bottom housing materials contribute to distinct typing experiences. The Hyacinth V2's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing ensures a consistent sharp and crisp sound throughout the keystrokes. Whether you prefer a fuller sound with the Hyacinth V2 or a sharper sound with the Tourmaline Blue, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who like a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Hyacinth V2. Both switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch is 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The Hyacinth V2 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Hyacinth V2 offering speed and the Tourmaline Blue offering depth in keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and desired 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer different auditory experiences. The Hyacinth V2 provides a clacky sound, known for its crisp and percussive nature that resonates with enthusiasts seeking depth in their keyboard feedback. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users. While the Hyacinth V2 offers a more distinct and sharp sound, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more moderate and versatile auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth V2 and the Tourmaline Blue also differ in their typing experiences. The Hyacinth V2 is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation with enhanced responsiveness. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance and light actuation force. While the Hyacinth V2 offers a more refined and responsive feel, the Tourmaline Blue provides a comfortable and low-impact typing experience.
Overall, choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a sharp and percussive sound with a smooth and responsive typing feel, the Hyacinth V2 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a comfortable and gentle typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a clacky sound profile with a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, or snappy typing feel, the Hyacinth V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with a buttery, easy-to-press, or mild typing feel, the Tourmaline Blue could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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