HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a nod to traditional typing experiences. 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a long-time community favorite. While the Hyacinth V2U is categorized as neutral, polished, silky, and subdued, the Ink Black V2 is categorized as low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences in typing experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Ink Black V2, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Hyacinth V2U utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile described as clacky. While both materials aim to provide a clear and resonant sound, the differences in pitch and sharpness set them apart.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the contrast between the two switches becomes more apparent. The Hyacinth V2U incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience. In comparison, the Ink Black V2 features Gateron's INK blend bottom housing, which complements the top housing by offering a pointed and potentially clacky sound profile. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Hyacinth V2U focuses on a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Ink Black V2 aims for a pointed and potentially clacky sound with its proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch differ significantly. The Hyacinth V2U has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The Hyacinth V2U provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Ink Black V2 offers a more substantial push feel for users who enjoy a heavier touch. Both switches have their own strengths, as the lighter actuation force of the Hyacinth V2U allows for longer use without fatigue, while the heavier force of the Ink Black V2 provides a more solid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and desired force requirement.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable for quick and responsive typing or gaming. However, the Hyacinth V2U provides a slightly shorter keypress, which may be advantageous for those seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a slightly deeper keypress, which some users may find more satisfying for typing longer documents or for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 V2U linear switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched, bassy sound with a unique chirpy characteristic, providing a distinct auditory experience. Both switches provide different sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Hyacinth V2U offering a softer and more subtle sound compared to the richer and deeper tones of the Ink Black V2.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, showcasing a smooth and refined feel during key presses. In comparison, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, making it approachable to a wide range of users with its gentle characteristics. Both switches prioritize smoothness and reduced friction, providing a comfortable typing experience for users who value a more refined feel during use.
Overall, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches prioritize a smooth and polished typing experience. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, with the Hyacinth V2U leaning towards a softer and more neutral sound profile, while the Ink Black V2 provides a richer and deeper auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a fuller travel distance for a more traditional typing experience, along with a softer, bassier sound signature, the Hyacinth V2U may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth downstroke with a rich clack sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 could be the switch for you. Additionally, if you prefer a more neutral and subdued sound profile along with a polished and silky feel, the Hyacinth V2U is a good option. However, if you enjoy a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile and a mild and polished feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
