HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a focus on auditory feedback and performance, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and Wuque Studio WS Red both stand out as excellent options. The Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, boasts a long stem pole that ensures a crisp 'clack' sound with every stroke, offering enthusiasts a deep and resonant acoustic experience. On the other hand, the WS Red, also a linear switch, features a 22mm double-stage spring that provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience, with a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke. While the Hyacinth V2 excels in blending sound and performance for a seamless typing experience, the WS Red offers a more substantial feel with its heavier actuation force. 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
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ significantly in terms of the top and bottom housing materials used. While the Hyacinth V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the WS Red uses a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can have a significant impact on the overall sound experience of a switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2's top housing makes it especially useful for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic dimension to its functionality that the WS Red may lack.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Hyacinth V2 and the WS Red utilize nylon, known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity suggests that despite differences in their top housing materials, both switches aim to provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when keys are pressed. However, the split between the bottom and top housing materials means that the specific qualities of each material will impact different aspects of the typing experience - with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Red showcase how different materials can lead to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2's top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Red offers a deeper and fuller sound. Meanwhile, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound absorption quality between the two switches. Ultimately, these differences in housing materials cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel, providing users with a range of options to suit their individual preferences.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Hyacinth V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 52 grams, while the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Hyacinth V2 provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the WS Red offers a medium-heavy typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Hyacinth V2 being better suited for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the WS Red is more suitable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth V2. The difference may not be significant, but for some users, even a small variation in travel distance can impact the feel and feedback of a key press. The Hyacinth V2 with its shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the WS Red with its slightly longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 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
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch is renowned for its distinctive deep 'clack' sound, providing a sharp and percussive auditory experience with every keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red offers a classic sound signature, complemented by a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each press. While the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect a crisp and resonant sound from the Hyacinth V2 and a satisfying, substantial sound from the WS Red.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth V2 is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These descriptors point towards a smooth, effortless, and responsive feel when engaging with this switch. On the other hand, the feel of the WS Red remains unknown. Without further information, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile qualities of the two switches. However, based on the known qualities of the Hyacinth V2, enthusiasts seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience may find satisfaction with this switch.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a weightier actuation force. While the sound characteristics of the Hyacinth V2 and WS Red differ, the tactile feel of the WS Red remains unknown, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your preferences in typing experience. If you value a sharp and clacky sound with a medium-light actuation force, the Hyacinth V2 is the ideal choice for you. Its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy feel will provide you with a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the WS Red is the way to go. With its double-stage spring and heavier actuation force, you can expect a substantial and satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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