HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Durock Ice King Tactile stand out as top contenders. The Hyacinth V2U is a linear switch that boasts a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a nod to traditional typing experiences with its longer travel compared to the current trend of shorter distances. Enhanced with a 22mm spring, these switches offer an added layer of bounciness and are crafted from nylon, resulting in a softer, bassier sound signature. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile is a tactile switch that elevates tactile typing to an art form, blending creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a uniquely satisfying experience. While the Hyacinth V2U is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Subdued', the Ice King Tactile is characterized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference - 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
58g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The primary difference between the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Durock Ice King Tactile lies in their composition and resulting sound profile. The Hyacinth V2U features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile boasts a nylon top housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. While polycarbonate is stiffer and more resonant, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller but rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Hyacinth V2U and the Ice King Tactile utilize nylon, further emphasizing the focus on achieving a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches suggests a preference for a softer plastic that enhances the overall typing experience. This consistency in bottom housing material reflects a similarity in the desired sound profile for these switches, despite their differing top housing materials influencing varying levels of sharpness or depth in the sound produced.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Hyacinth V2U and the Ice King Tactile plays a significant role in the resulting sound and feel of the typing experience. While the use of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2U's top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound. The shared nylon bottom housing of both switches further contributes to a consistent emphasis on achieving a softer and more absorbing sound profile, with the differences in their top housings providing unique characteristics to cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile's 58 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams to fully press down. This means that the Ice King Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Hyacinth V2U would be the better option. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance compared to the Hyacinth V2U. The difference may not be significant, but it can still impact the overall feel of the switch. With a shorter travel distance, the Ice King Tactile may provide a slightly faster response time, which can be beneficial for gamers or those looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U with its slightly longer travel distance may offer a more deliberate and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user, but both options offer a balance between travel distance for a comfortable typing or gaming experience.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches are described as producing a subdued sound when pressed. This means that while they are not completely silent, they offer a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2U is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Ice King Tactile switch is also described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, along with features like a frictionless feel and a stepped tactile response.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Hyacinth V2U provides a fuller travel distance with a softer, bassier sound signature and a mix of polished and silky feel, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in blending creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience that also incorporates a silky smooth feel with features like a frictionless experience and a stepped tactile response. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and sound profile, as both switches offer high-quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you appreciate a fuller travel distance and a softer sound signature, the Hyacinth V2U may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a unique tactile typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and smooth key travel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a traditional typing feel with added bounciness or a silky smooth tactile feedback. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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