HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Ink Red mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switches stand out with unique characteristics. The Hyacinth V2U offers a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a traditional typing feel that diverges from the current trend of shorter travel distances. Enhanced with a 22mm spring, these switches deliver a bouncier typing experience and produce a softer, bassier sound due to their nylon construction. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch boasts a lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. These switches are known for their smooth feel, crisp and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. While the Hyacinth V2U is categorized as neutral, polished, silky, and subdued, the Gateron Ink Red falls into the categories of neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished. Both switches offer unique benefits, blending traditional and contemporary typing experiences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Ink Red, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches feature a unique top housing material that contributes to a high-pitched sound profile, with the Hyacinth V2U utilizing polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ink Red uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound. However, the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects, whereas the Ink Red's INK blend top housing offers a satisfying thin sound without being overly sharp.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of these switches differ significantly. The Hyacinth V2U features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well, resulting in a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile as its top housing. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience, with the Hyacinth V2U offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the consistent sound profile of the Ink Red.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in these switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on them. While both switches offer a high-pitched sound profile, the Hyacinth V2U's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials provides a more varied typing experience with a sharper top-out sound and a deeper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red maintains a consistent sound profile throughout, thanks to its proprietary INK blend used in both top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel while typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, we find that both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Hyacinth V2U has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it lighter than the Ink Red, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Hyacinth V2U offers a medium-light typing experience, while the Ink Red provides a medium feel. The difference in bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, while the lighter bottom out force of the Hyacinth V2U may be more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Ink Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical keyboards, offering a balance between quick response times and a more tactile typing experience. Gamers may prefer the Hyacinth V2U for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses, while those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke may opt for the Gateron Ink Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red switches fall under the category of neutral switches, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for most users. However, the Hyacinth V2U provides a subdued sound when pressed, resulting in a softer, bassier sound signature due to its nylon material. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch is described as chirpy, adding a unique little squeak to its sound profile. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Hyacinth V2U is characterized by its polished finish, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it is described as silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Red switch is also described as silky, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it falls under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The Hyacinth V2U leans towards a softer, more subdued sound signature with a polished and silky feel, while the Ink Red switch provides a crisp, clacky sound profile paired with a silky and mild typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a pleasant typing experience that caters to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a traditional typing experience with a fuller travel distance and bounciness, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch would be a great choice for you. The softer, bassier sound signature of the V2U switch adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lower actuation force and a crispy, clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be more suitable for you. The smoothness of the Ink Red switch makes typing effortless and enjoyable. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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