HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, a linear switch, and the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, reminiscent of traditional typing experiences, and features a 22mm spring for added bounciness. Made from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound, offering a mix of old-school charm and modern functionality. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility, delivering a clean bottom-out sound with its long pole stem design. While the Hyacinth V2U is described as 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Subdued', the Matcha is characterized by being 'Stepped', 'Snappy', 'Accented', 'Clacky', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their unique strengths, but to truly determine the best fit for your needs, let's delve deeper into their specifics.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the KTT Matcha both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal choices for switches that prioritize clear and resonant sound quality. However, the Hyacinth V2U sets itself apart with a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material results in a contrasting typing experience between the two switches, with the Hyacinth offering a duller and rounder sound while the Matcha maintains a sharper and crisper tone.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for similar sound profiles, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound and typing experience. The Hyacinth V2U's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softness, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and clearer sound, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the switch. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how subtle changes in construction can greatly impact the typing feel and sound of mechanical switches.
In terms of design and functionality, the choice between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the KTT Matcha ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the differing bottom housing materials offer contrasting sound profiles. The Hyacinth V2U provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Matcha maintains a sharper and crisper tone with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a clearer and resonant tone, these differences in housing materials showcase the versatility and customization options available in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Matcha tactile switch. The Hyacinth V2U requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 52 grams to bottom out, making it medium-light in terms of weight. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha only needs 40 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it lighter in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the KTT Matcha, as it requires less force to press down the keys. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide a different typing feel, so users can choose based on their personal preference for lighter or heavier key presses.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the KTT Matcha tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches have relatively similar travel distances, the slight variation can make a difference in how the switch feels when pressed. Gamers may prefer the Hyacinth V2U for its slightly shorter travel distance, providing a faster response time. On the other hand, those looking for a switch with more depth when pressed may prefer the KTT Matcha with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the user.
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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 is described as having a neutral and subdued sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement with a dampened sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for various purposes without being too loud. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is classified as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Depending on personal preference, the Hyacinth V2U provides a more subtle and bassier sound signature, while the Matcha offers a distinct clean bottom-out sound due to its design.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2U is noted for its polished and silky typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the V2U switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, offering a sleek typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Matcha switch is characterized by its stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel. This means that the Matcha switch provides a unique tactile sensation with two stages of feedback, responsiveness, medium tactility, light actuation force, and a gentle resistance for comfortable extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V2U provides a neutral and subdued sound with a polished and silky typing experience, catering to those who prefer a softer and smoother typing feel. In contrast, the Matcha switch delivers a clacky sound with a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel, appealing to individuals who enjoy a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique typing experiences, and choosing between them would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force, a fuller travel distance for a traditional typing experience, and a softer sound signature, then the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a clean bottom-out sound, and a snappy tactile feel with a distinctly clacky sound profile, then the KTT Matcha tactile switch would suit your preferences better. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and preferred level of tactility when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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