HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the sillyworks hyacinth V2U and the durock mamba mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, we can see distinct differences in their design and performance. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, reminiscent of traditional typing experiences, and enhanced with a 22mm spring for added bounciness. Crafted from nylon, these switches offer a softer, bassier sound signature, blending the old and the new seamlessly. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with a smooth gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. While the V2U is categorized as neutral, polished, silky, subdued, the Mamba falls into neutral, mild, thocky, polished. Both switches have their unique features and qualities that make them appealing, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.50 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Durock Mamba offer different sound profiles and aesthetics. The Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a more pleasant and brighter sound without being too sharp. Both materials offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
In terms of bottom housing, the Hyacinth V2U's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a pleasing and unique deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. Despite their differences, both materials contribute to the overall typing experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The choice between nylon and POM bottom housings allows users to tailor the switch's sound profile to their liking.
While the housing materials of the Hyacinth V2U and the Mamba may differ, each brings its own strengths to the table. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the brighter, more pleasant sound of the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, both switches offer unique typing experiences. Additionally, the choice of nylon or POM bottom housing allows for further customization of the sound profile. Ultimately, both switches provide a range of options for users to select based on their individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth V2U is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Mamba is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 60 grams. The actuation force of the Mamba is unknown. The Hyacinth V2U offers a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Mamba provides a medium typing experience, offering a more substantial push feel for those who prefer it. Both switches cater to different preferences based on weight, with the Hyacinth V2U being lighter and the Mamba being heavier. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mamba. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Mamba with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may prefer the Hyacinth V2U. Ultimately, the choice between the two 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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Mamba switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, the Hyacinth V2U offers a more subdued sound compared to the Mamba, providing a quieter and more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba is noted for its thocky sound, which delivers a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory feedback when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired in a mechanical keyboard setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2U is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined keypress with reduced friction. This results in a sleek typing sensation that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. In comparison, the Durock Mamba switches are described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls comfortably within the middle-ground zone of switch characteristics. Additionally, the Mamba switches also feature a polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of key travel. Whether one prefers a smoother and more refined typing experience or a gentle and approachable feel, both the Hyacinth V2U and the Durock Mamba switches offer distinct advantages in terms of key feel.
In conclusion, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Durock Mamba switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Hyacinth V2U provides a more subdued and bassier sound signature along with a polished and silky typing experience, the Durock Mamba delivers a thocky sound profile and a mild yet polished typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It is important to consider factors such as personal typing style, typing environment, and desired keyboard setup when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a fuller travel distance for a more traditional typing experience, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U may be the better choice for you. The Hyacinth V2U offers a softer, bassier sound and a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy sound, the Durock Mamba may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to test them out and see which one aligns best with your typing preferences.
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