HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Jerrzi Violet. The Hyacinth V2 is a linear switch renowned for its crisp top-out sound and resonant 'clack', providing a satisfying auditory experience for enthusiasts who value sound feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch known for its smooth actuation and gentle tactility, offering a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Jerrzi Violet feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the keyboard. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and feel in terms of the top housing material when comparing these two switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 utilizes nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet also has a nylon bottom housing, which means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom-out sound. The softness of nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound, providing users with a unique typing experience that sets these switches apart from others on the market.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and Jerrzi Violet respectively offers a well-rounded typing experience. While both switches share similar qualities in terms of the top housing material, the difference in the bottom housing material allows for a varied sound profile that caters to individual preferences. Whether users prefer a crisper sound profile or a fuller sound with a deeper tone, both switches provide a unique typing experience that sets them apart in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Hyacinth V2 has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Hyacinth V2 provides a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressing down compared to the Violet switch. Some users may prefer the Hyacinth V2 for its medium-light bottom out force, allowing for a more substantial typing experience, while others may appreciate the lighter feel of the Violet switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In general, having a choice in actuation and bottom out forces allows users to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Hyacinth V2 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Violet. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying and robust keypress feel. Both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch stands out for its distinctively clacky sound, offering a sharp and snappy acoustic experience with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences without being too loud or too quiet. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory feedback, but the Hyacinth V2 leans towards a more pronounced and resonant sound, while the Violet switch offers a balanced and enjoyable typing experience without being too overwhelming.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth V2 linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, making each keystroke feel smooth and effortless. The switch is also described as silky and snappy, providing an exceptionally responsive and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is characterized as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile feedback with a gentle and poppy tactility. While the Hyacinth V2 focuses on providing a silky and polished typing experience, the Violet switch gives a more subtle tactile feedback with a mild pre-travel and post-travel sensation.
Overall, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth V2 excels in delivering a clacky and resonant sound with a creamy and polished typing feel, while the Violet switch provides a neutral sound signature with a stepped tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the more pronounced auditory feedback of the Hyacinth V2 or the gentle tactility of the Violet switch for their ideal typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards will find satisfaction in either choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch or the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack' feedback, along with a medium-light bottom out force, then the Hyacinth V2 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth actuation with a poppy tactility and a neutral sound signature, then the Violet switch may be more suited to your typing style. Consider how you prioritize sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard experience to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose based on what matters most to you in your typing experience.