HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that each switch offers unique features catered to different preferences. 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 produce a softer, bassier sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed for office environments, prioritizing discretion and quietness. With a light actuation and a subdued sound signature, these switches are ideal for professional settings where uninterrupted typing is key. However, 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
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Mountain Top switches both offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. The Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, crisp sound profile with a clear and resonant quality, perfect for those who enjoy a higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone. While both materials provide distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2U is ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top offers a classic and mellow typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Hyacinth V2U and the Mountain Top utilize nylon as their material of choice. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder tone compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches. Although the housing materials differ between the top and bottom of the switches, each material plays a crucial role in influencing the overall sound profile and feel of the switches, with the qualities of the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Mountain Top switches offer different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both excel in providing unique typing experiences. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2U or the deeper, fuller sound profile of nylon in the Mountain Top, both switches offer quality sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience, as each housing material brings its own strengths and characteristics to the table.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth V2U requires a slightly heavier force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Mountain Top. The Hyacinth V2U has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Mountain Top switch will feel lighter and easier to press compared to the Hyacinth V2U. However, both switches fall within a range that is comfortable for most users, so the choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference. If a lighter touch is preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Mountain Top may be the better option. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Hyacinth V2U would be the suitable choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we see that the Hyacinth V2U has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Hyacinth V2U offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better option for those who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Mountain Top provides a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to various preferences in typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize depth or quick responsiveness in your typing experience.
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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 it comes to sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, providing a soft and bassier typing experience that is not entirely silent but pleasingly subtle. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch also falls into the neutral category, delivering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience suitable for professional settings. Both switches offer a moderate sound level that would be suitable for various environments, with the Hyacinth V2U providing a slightly more subdued sound compared to the Mountain Top.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a lively and spring-like feeling with gentle resistance and low impact, suitable for comfortable extended typing sessions. While the Hyacinth V2U focuses on a polished and silky typing experience, the Mountain Top offers a variety of characteristics that enhance typing comfort and responsiveness.
Overall, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth V2U provides a softer and fuller travel experience with a slightly subdued sound signature, catering to a balance of traditional and modern typing preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is tailored for discreet and comfortable office typing, offering a blend of gentle resistance and bouncy feedback. Depending on your typing preferences and environment, both switches provide solid options for a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different focuses on sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a traditional typing experience with a fuller travel distance and a softer sound signature, then the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, especially in professional settings, then the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel in order to find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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