HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2 is praised for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack' that provides a satisfying acoustic experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking depth in their keyboard's auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which deliver unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that minimizes sound and noise. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of users, 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
1.80 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
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this feature, the sound profile may vary slightly due to other factors such as keycap material or switch design.
On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on sound quality. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
While the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° share some housing materials, such as polycarbonate for the top housing, they differ in terms of the bottom housing material. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches results in a unique typing experience characterized by a deep and resonant sound profile. Overall, the housing materials play a crucial role in the sound and feel of a switch, and the differences between the materials used in the Hyacinth V2 and Zero Degree 0° contribute to their distinct typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it becomes evident that they have similar actuation forces, both coming in at 45 grams. However, the Hyacinth V2 has a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Zero Degree 0°, where the bottom out force is unknown. The Hyacinth V2 can be considered medium-light in terms of weight, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback, while the Zero Degree 0° remains a mystery in terms of its bottom out force. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the difference of 0.1 mm in travel distance may not be significant enough to notice a distinct contrast in feel between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 offers a distinctive deep 'clack' sound, providing a resonant and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° aims to revolutionize silent typing with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, focusing on delivering smoothness, stability, and quieter operation. While the Hyacinth V2 focuses on providing a sharp and percussive sound, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes reducing noise and absorbing sound for a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth V2 is described as offering a creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery feel that enhances the overall typing sensation. It is also noted for being frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, delivering a refined and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch remains unknown, but with its focus on smoothness and stability, it can be expected to offer a similar level of comfort and ease during typing.
Overall, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 excels in providing a deep, clacky sound and a creamy, polished, and snappy typing feel, offering enthusiasts a blend of satisfying auditory feedback and smooth key response. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° emphasizes quiet operation, smoothness, and stability, aiming to provide users with a pleasant and silent typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a clacky sound profile, the Hyacinth V2 would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, or snappy typing feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with no bottom out force and a silent typing experience with a soft, elastic feel, the Zero Degree 0° could be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize sound, feel, and typing experience in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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