HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences can make all the difference, and two options that often pique interest are the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the TTC Ice, both of which fall into the linear category. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U stands out with its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, harkening back to traditional typing experiences, while its enhanced 22mm spring adds a delightful bounciness, offering a unique blend of the old and the new. Crafted from nylon, these switches impart a softer, bassier sound signature, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Subdued'. On the other hand, the TTC Ice captures attention with its striking crystal-clear design and delivers a smooth, responsive feel along with a pleasing bottom-out sound, making it an appealing choice for gamers and casual typists alike. Each switch brings its own strengths to the table, with the Hyacinth V2U offering a more nostalgic feel and the Ice embracing modern aesthetics and performance. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the TTC Ice switches, it is clear that both employ polycarbonate for their top housing. This material results in a sound profile that is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper quality. Both switches leverage polycarbonate's properties—in particular, its stiffness—which allows for clearer sound resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches but also optimizes them for RGB lighting, making both the Hyacinth V2U and the Ice well-suited for users who prioritize visual effects alongside auditory feedback.
In stark contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly in material. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This allows the switch to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, resulting in a similar sharp sound profile as found in the top housing. By using the same material in both top and bottom housings, the Ice switch can achieve a consistently high-pitched and resonant sound throughout, unlike the hybrid sound profile of the Hyacinth V2U.
The impact of these housing materials on user experience is notable. In the case of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, the nylon bottom housing takes a more dominant role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound upon release. Conversely, users of the TTC Ice will notice a more uniform sound signature due to the exclusive use of polycarbonate in both housings. This leads to a more cohesive auditory experience but lacks the sonic differentiation that the nylon bottom housing provides. Ultimately, while both switches may have similar properties derived from their respective top housings, the bottom housing's material choice creates distinct auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences among users.
Weight
The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a consistent typing feel; this can translate to comparable performance during long typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs between the two, with the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U at 52 grams, making it lighter overall compared to the TTC Ice, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar initial keystroke experience, the Hyacinth V2U will feel less resistance when pressed all the way down, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Ice offers a firmer, more substantial experience that some typists may favor. Thus, for users seeking a lighter switch for extended use, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is the preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a stronger push may gravitate towards the TTC Ice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Ice switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Hyacinth V2U provides a deeper keystroke, which might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Conversely, the TTC Ice’s shorter travel distance might be more suited for gamers or users favoring rapid key presses and quicker response times. Thus, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the TTC Ice would be the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press might find the Hyacinth V2U more to their liking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U 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 V2U for $2.91.
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 V2U provides a neutral and subdued auditory experience. Its nylon construction contributes to a softer, bassier sound, which means it isn’t overly loud or intrusive, making it suitable for various environments—be it a home office or a shared space. The V2Us offer a more muted typing acoustics while still providing enough auditory feedback to satisfy most users. In contrast, the TTC Ice linear switch, while lacking a detailed sound profile description, is known for its smooth and responsive feel combined with a satisfying bottom-out sound. This suggests that while it may be more pronounced than the V2Us, the specific details of its sound characteristics remain somewhat undefined.
In terms of feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U excels with descriptors like polished and silky. This indicates a finely tuned switch that minimizes friction, providing a highly refined and smooth typing experience. Users can expect minimal resistance, enhancing the pleasure of each keystroke, whether for gaming or typing. Thus, it pairs well with its fuller travel distance that harkens back to a more traditional typing feel. The TTC Ice switch does not provide detailed feedback on its tactile characteristics, but its mention of a "premium typing experience" hints at an enjoyable and responsive feel as well, likely appealing to a diverse range of users seeking comfort during prolonged use.
In conclusion, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and TTC Ice linear switches cater to users with different typing preferences. The Hyacinth V2U offers a softer sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel thanks to its materials and design, making it a great option for those wanting a classic typing experience. Conversely, the Ice switches promise a smooth, responsive experience, although specifics on their sound and feel are less defined. Ultimately, both switches provide quality experiences and can yield similar user satisfaction with their respective characteristics, appealing to both gamers and typists alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, your choice should align with your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a softer feel and a more traditional typing experience, the Hyacinth V2U is an excellent option, thanks to its medium-light actuation force and fuller travel distance of 3.9mm. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a bouncier feel with a subdued yet pleasant sound signature, making it a great fit for both typing and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more robust and responsive typing experience, the TTC Ice switch would be the better choice. With a slightly stiffer bottom-out force of 60 grams, it offers a smooth and satisfying feel that caters well to fast-paced gaming and everyday use. Its crystal-clear design and vibrant sound profile provide a premium typing experience that can enhance both functions. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences for feel, sound, and the balance between typing and gaming to make the best selection for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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