HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, and the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. The Hyacinth V2 is praised for its deep 'clack' sound and seamless blend of sound and performance, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T stands out for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. While the Hyacinth V2 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', the U4T is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', 'Sharp'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gazzew U4T both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Hyacinth V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffness. In contrast, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a richer and deeper sound profile due to its softness. While both materials excel in enhancing the sound quality of the switches, the polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2 is ideal for those looking for a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities, while the Gazzew blend in the U4T provides a more mellow and rounded sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the Hyacinth V2 utilizes a nylon bottom housing that produces a deep and full sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also offers a rich and deep sound profile, mirroring the qualities of the top housing in this regard. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound experience when pressing down on the switch, with the nylon in the Hyacinth V2 emphasizing a duller and rounder sound, while the Gazzew blend in the U4T adds to the rich sound profile.
While the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gazzew U4T differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles, both switches are designed to provide a unique typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance of qualities that impact the switch's sound profile when pressing down and releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2 or the richer, deeper sound of the Gazzew blend in the U4T, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth V2 is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the U4T has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. The actuation force for the U4T is unknown, but it is clear that it requires more force for bottoming out compared to the Hyacinth V2. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Hyacinth V2 for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force of the U4T for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics, and the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, we can see that the Hyacinth V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the U4T has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Hyacinth V2 has the shorter travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth V2 may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the U4T may provide a more satisfying and deliberate keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific preferences of the user.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 offers a clacky experience with its sharp and percussive 'clack' sound, creating a crisp and bright auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, bringing a deeper and richer tone with a satisfying thud or knock sensation. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth V2 is lauded for its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience, providing smoothness and ease with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a high intensity and crisp tactile bump with every keypress. While the Hyacinth V2 focuses on delivering a smooth and polished typing feel, the U4T prioritizes a tactile bump for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback sensation. Deciding between the two would hinge on whether you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience or a sharper tactile feedback with each keypress.
Taking all the available information into account, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gazzew U4T present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2 excels in providing a clacky sound and a smooth typing experience, while the U4T offers a bassy sound with sharp tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a specific sound profile or tactile sensation in your mechanical keyboard setup. If you opt for the Hyacinth V2, you can expect a satisfying auditory experience paired with a seamless typing feel, while the U4T delivers a deeper sound profile and a pronounced tactile feedback for a more tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a sharp and distinctive auditory feedback with a deep 'clack' sound, the Hyacinth V2 would be the ideal choice for you. Its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel offers a smooth typing experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy 'thock' sound paired with a sharp tactile feedback for both auditory and tactile satisfaction, the Gazzew U4T would be more fitting for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.