HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring linear mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 stand out for different reasons, catering to distinct typing preferences. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U embraces a more traditional approach with a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, appealing to those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience that’s often associated with classic keyboards. Its unique design, featuring a 22mm spring and nylon construction, results in a bouncy feel and a softer, bassy sound profile that resonates with users desiring both nostalgia and innovation. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 focuses on delivering a smooth and lightweight linear experience that balances a refined feel with a satisfying bottom-out, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking a swift, responsive action without sacrificing quality. With its generous lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Matcha Latte V2 offers premium performance at a more accessible price point. While both switches promise exceptional performance, each caters to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 exemplify distinct approaches to switch housing materials, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U employs polycarbonate for its top housing, praised for its sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material's translucence also enhances the experience for users who utilize RGB lighting, allowing a more vivid illumination through the clear housing. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone), known for being exceptionally smooth with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of the polycarbonate. Although both materials aim to achieve excellent acoustic properties, they each offer a unique nuance; the polycarbonate's clarity and resonance contrast with the POK’s smoother and slightly subdued sound.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, the similarities become evident, as both models utilize nylon, a classic and widely regarded material in switch design. The nylon used in both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. The consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures that the sound and feel experienced during key presses—specifically the bottom-out sound—remains largely equivalent. This shared housing material provides a foundation for users who prioritize deeper acoustics, regardless of which switch design they ultimately choose.
The combined performances of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, when taken together, reveal how the interplay of different materials can achieve a nuanced and satisfying typing experience. While the top housing materials offer unique characteristics that alter the sound on release, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that all users will experience that signature deep sound quality. Therefore, even though the upper sections of these switches differ significantly in terms of acoustics and user experience, they can still produce a harmoniously cohesive result—an impressive testament to the artistry of mechanical switch design.
Weight
The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally accessible for those who prefer lighter switches, ideal for long typing sessions and extended gaming marathons. However, the Hyacinth V2U distinguishes itself with a defined bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more substantial feedback upon full key press. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown, which leaves its overall tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. Consequently, while both switches offer a similar actuation feel, the Hyacinth V2U’s heavier bottom out force may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth V2U offers a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Matcha Latte V2's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that if you're looking for a more substantial keypress experience, the Hyacinth V2U would be the better choice, providing a deeper feel that some users prefer for a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 caters to those who appreciate quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers who favor a shorter throw distance for rapid inputs. Therefore, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is the longer option, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is the shorter one, aligning with current trends that prioritize speed over depth for many users.
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 Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99 per 10 switches.
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
When considering the sound profile of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is characterized by a neutral and subdued tone. This means that the switch produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a workplace setting. Its softer, bassier sound complements traditional typing experiences, especially given its longer travel distance of 3.9mm and nylon construction. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 are currently unknown, which suggests that it might not offer a distinctly different auditory experience from the V2U, especially since both are linear switches where sound is often governed by the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth V2U stands out with descriptors such as polished and silky. This indicates that the switch provides a remarkably smooth and refined typing experience, thanks to the materials and enhanced lubrication that reduce friction during key travel. This quality aligns with the trend of more tactile experiences, allowing users to enjoy extended typing sessions with minimal resistance. The Huano Matcha Latte V2, on the other hand, also remains unspecified in its tactile feedback qualities. However, given that it promises a smooth, subtle linear typing experience, there's an expectation of a solid and light feel, which may resonate well with those who appreciate a balanced key press.
Overall, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and Huano Matcha Latte V2 cater to enthusiasts of linear switches but in slightly different ways. The Hyacinth V2Us offer a more traditional experience with a fuller travel that combines a polished sound with an exceptionally smooth typing feel. In contrast, while the Matcha Latte V2's performance is less documented, it seems poised to deliver a similar smoothness with a more subdued character. If you're looking for a dependable linear switch, either of these options could suit your needs; the choice may ultimately boil down to your preference for sound and feel as they both lean towards offering satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a fuller travel experience and enjoy a softer, bassier sound signature that harks back to traditional typing, the Hyacinth V2U might be the ideal choice for you with its medium-light bottom-out force and enhanced bounciness from the 22mm spring. This switch not only offers a polished and silky feel but is also versatile enough for both work and home environments due to its neutral yet subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, subtle linear typing experience with a solid bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 may be more suitable. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the typing experience significantly, providing premium linear performance without a hefty price tag. Ultimately, consider how each switch’s characteristics align with your typing style and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard, as both options have unique strengths that cater to different preferences.
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