HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3

Overview

The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics for different typing preferences. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a traditional typing experience with a bouncy feel enhanced by a 22mm spring. Crafted from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound signature, appealing to those looking for a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a seamless typing experience with a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Hyacinth V2U is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Subdued', the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky'. Each switch caters to a different typing style and sound preference, but diving deeper into their specific features will help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboards. The similarities in their top housing materials indicate that users can expect a consistent acoustical experience and bright lighting effects from both the Hyacinth V2U and Lightning Silver V3.

However, where the keyboards differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Hyacinth V2U features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. While the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing keys, the top housing has a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. This contrast in bottom housing materials contributes to a unique typing experience for each keyboard.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in keyboards such as the Hyacinth V2U and Lightning Silver V3 demonstrates how different plastics can influence the acoustics and tactile feedback of a keyboard. The decision to use polycarbonate for the top housing in both keyboards ensures a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal when incorporating RGB lighting. However, the variation in bottom housing materials between nylon and polycarbonate results in distinct sound characteristics, with nylon providing a deeper sound profile and polycarbonate offering a crisper sound. Ultimately, these differences highlight the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience for users of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2U requires 52 grams of force, while the Lightning Silver V3 needs 60 grams. This means that the Hyacinth V2U is lighter both in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Hyacinth V2U more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which is slightly longer than the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. The Hyacinth V2U offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Lightning Silver V3, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches offer a neutral and subdued sound profile, making them suitable for various typing environments. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches, on the other hand, provide a clacky and high-pitched sound that adds a crisp and bright tone to keystrokes. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more subtle sound with the V2Us or a sharper sound with the V3s.

Moving on to feel, both the Hyacinth V2U and the Lightning Silver V3 switches offer a smooth typing experience. The V2Us are described as polished and silky, providing reduced friction and a refined typing feel. Similarly, the V3s are noted for their silky smoothness, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. With both options offering a high level of smoothness, users can expect a comfortable typing experience regardless of their choice.

Considering all the available information, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch excels in providing a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound signature. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch stands out with its clacky, high-pitched sound profile and unique light diffuser feature for enhanced RGB illumination. Ultimately, users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Whether opting for the traditional typing experience of the Hyacinth V2U or the sleekness and vibrancy of the Lightning Silver V3, users can expect consistent performance and quality from both options.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound, the Hyacinth V2U with its medium-light bottom out force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a smoother typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 with its medium bottom out force could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique features and characteristics, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision between the Hyacinth V2U and the Lightning Silver V3 will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn more