HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Light Sakura present two appealing options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Sillyworks V2U is characterized by its longer travel distance of 3.9mm, reminiscent of traditional keyboards, providing a tactile sensation that many typists appreciate, especially those who favor a more tactile engagement. Its nylon construction contributes to a softer, bassier sound signature, along with a distinct bounciness thanks to its 22mm spring, making it a great choice for users who enjoy the nuanced feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Light Sakura stands out for its ultra-light design and silent operation, making it ideal for long hours of typing in quiet environments. This switch prioritizes comfort and discretion, appealing to those who want to type quietly without sacrificing a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, but 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
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Light Sakura, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar acoustic profile that enhances clarity and sharpness during key presses. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a high-pitched, crisp sound that is favored by many users looking for enhanced auditory feedback in their typing experience. This is particularly advantageous if users are leveraging RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a vibrant and visually appealing illumination through the switch's housing. Therefore, both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of sound quality as well as aesthetics.
Diverging in their bottom housing materials, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U utilizes nylon while the Light Sakura features polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper output produced by polycarbonate. This fundamental difference means that the typing experience varies significantly when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing of the Hyacinth V2U will produce a more muted and rounded auditory feedback compared to the clearer sound produced by the Light Sakura's polycarbonate bottom. As such, users who prefer a softer landing and a low resonance may gravitate towards the Sillyworks model, while those seeking a crisper response might favor the Bsun Light Sakura.
In summary, while both switches exhibit similar acoustic characteristics in the top housing due to the use of polycarbonate, the distinction lies in their bottom housings. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U combines the clarity of polycarbonate on top with the richness of nylon below, resulting in a sound profile that is both rounded and crisp. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura maintains a consistent sharpness throughout with polycarbonate on both ends. This split design reveals how different materials influence the overall typing experience, underscoring the significance of both components within a switch's architecture. Thus, depending on the desired sound profile and tactile feel, each switch offers unique merits that ultimately cater to varied user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth V2U features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This distinction means that the Light Sakura requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. Conversely, the Hyacinth V2U, with its heavier forces, provides a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Overall, the Hyacinth V2U is the heavier option, while the Light Sakura is the lighter switch, providing different tactile experiences based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer option, while the Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, positioning it as the shorter choice. This means that users who prefer a switch with a more substantial depth for a hearty feel might find the Hyacinth V2U more appealing, whereas those looking for faster response times, typical of gaming preferences, may prefer the quicker actuation of the Light Sakura. The difference in travel distance could significantly influence user experience, accommodating varied needs between tactile feedback 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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is characterized by a neutral yet subdued tone. This means that while the switch is not overly loud, it does produce a dampened sound that is moderate and unobtrusive. This quality makes it versatile for various environments, be it a bustling office or a home setup. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed for silent operation, aiming to minimize sound entirely, which is ideal for situations where discretion is paramount. Both switches, however, will produce different sound signatures depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials used, but you can expect the V2Us to have a softer, bassier resonance while the Light Sakura remains quiet and unobtrusive.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is notable for its polished and silky characteristics. This means that users can anticipate a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction, which enhances the enjoyment of extended typing sessions. The combination of a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm and a bouncy 22mm spring adds to the tactile richness of the typing experience. On the other hand, specific details about the feel of the Bsun Light Sakura are not provided. However, its design for comfort and fatigue reduction suggests it likely has a smooth and lightweight action, focusing on ease of use during prolonged periods.
In summary, when comparing the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Light Sakura, the former offers a more robust acoustic and tactile experience appealing to those who appreciate a traditional feel, while the latter leans heavily into silent functionality and comfort. If sound and feel are primary concerns, the Sillyworks V2U provides a more engaging and tactile experience, whereas the Light Sakura excels in creating a serene typing environment. Each switch caters to distinct preferences, making the final choice heavily reliant on the user’s specific typing needs and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a more traditional typing experience paired with a noticeable tactile feel and enhanced bounce, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is an excellent choice. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force and fuller travel distance make it well-suited for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing style, while the medium-light actuation force provides a comfortable compromise between agility and feedback. Moreover, the subdued sound signature allows for quieter operation, making it versatile enough for both home and office use. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch designed for comfort during long typing sessions and require a lighter, ultra-quiet feel that won't disturb others, the Bsun Light Sakura should be your go-to. Its light bottom-out force and silent operation make it perfect for busy environments where discretion is key, helping to reduce fatigue without sacrificing typing enjoyment. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing habits and the noise level of your surroundings, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
