HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different styles and experiences. The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, a linear switch, is celebrated for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, closely mimicking the traditional typing experience while standing apart from the current trend of shorter key travels. Its unique 22mm spring introduces an added layer of bounciness, enhancing the overall feel. Crafted from nylon, the V2U offers a softer, bassier sound signature that provides a more subdued auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a polished and silky typing feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch features a refined tactile experience characterized by a short yet satisfying bump and medium-strength feedback, specifically crafted to cater to keyboard enthusiasts. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a tactile response, as it provides instant feedback with every keystroke, fostering confidence in typing accuracy. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The primary distinction between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Cherry MX Purple RGB lies in the materials used for their respective top housings. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This rigidity allows for a more resonant acoustics when the key is released, enhancing the overall tactile experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB highlights a nylon top housing that is softer and more absorbent, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s ability to dampen vibrations gives it a muted auditory quality, contributing to a rounder sound when the key is actuated. Therefore, the choice of top housing material plays a significant role in defining the auditory character of each switch.

When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which opens a parallel in terms of sound profile for the bottom part of the switch. In this case, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Cherry MX Purple RGB produce a deeper and fuller sound profile because of the softer nature of nylon. This shared bottom housing material leads to a similar acoustic response when the keys are pressed down, ensuring that both switches deliver a consistent and satisfying auditory experience at the bottom-out stage. It emphasizes that while the top housings create distinct auditory personalities for each switch, the nylon bottom housing harmonizes their overall sound output.

In summary, the combination of materials dictates how each switch behaves sonically. While the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U benefits from a polycarbonate top housing for a bright and crisp release sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers the comfort of nylon for a richer and more subdued response. However, with both switches sharing nylon for the bottom housing, they converge in providing that deeper sound profile during key presses, indicating that material choices not only affect individual characteristics but also play a crucial role in achieving consistent results across the board. Overall, by dissecting the influence of the different housing materials, one can appreciate how they harmonize to create a unique typing experience while maintaining certain similarities.

Weight

The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making both options comparable in terms of effort required to trigger a keystroke. This means that users will experience a similar ease of typing with either switch, which can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods, allowing for less finger fatigue. However, when comparing the bottom out forces, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U has a bottom out force of 52 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB remains unknown. Consequently, while the Hyacinth V2U provides a medium-light typing experience overall, the unknown bottom out force of the Cherry MX switch leaves some ambiguity in terms of its heavier tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Therefore, for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U may be the better option due to its known bottom out force, whereas the Cherry MX's characteristics might appeal to users who enjoy unpredictability in their switches.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we find that the Hyacinth V2U has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the MX Purple RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U may be the preferable option due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster actuation and quicker response times—a feature particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional keystroke experience, which some users may find more comfortable and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Hyacinth V2U is the better choice, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may opt for the MX Purple RGB.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches are notable for their softer, bassier profile, primarily resulting from their nylon construction. With a neutral sound signature, they provide a moderate auditory response that is neither overly loud nor entirely silent, making them versatile for various environments, be it at home or work. Their subdued quality enhances the typing experience by producing a dampened sound, allowing you to type quietly while still enjoying the tactile feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are not described in detail here, but they typically have a pleasing click that adds auditory feedback to the tactile bump, which may lead to a more pronounced sound experience than the Sillyworks switches.

In terms of feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches shine with their polished and silky characteristics. The smooth finish makes for a refined typing experience, minimizing friction and enhancing key travel. This allows for effortless typing, with the added benefit of a bouncier responsiveness due to the 22mm spring. Such details can contribute to a more satisfying tactile feedback overall. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, while having a well-regarded tactile bump, lack further descriptive insights on their feel, but they are known for a refined tactile experience in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, which suggests they deliver a distinct tactile sensation that many typists appreciate.

In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switches offer a unique combination of sound and feel that caters to those who seek a quieter yet satisfying typing experience, enhanced by their smooth operation and bouncy response. While the sound profile of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches remains unspecified, they are likely to offer a distinctly tactile feel that is universally recognized among keyboard enthusiasts. If you prefer a more subdued typing experience with a softer sound, the Sillyworks switches would be preferable, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches could satisfy those looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value subtlety and smoothness or pronounced tactile engagement in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you gravitate towards a more traditional, fuller travel experience combined with a soft, bassier sound profile, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is your best bet. They offer a balanced performance that caters to both casual and serious typists, thanks to their medium-light bottom-out force and silky-smooth feel. These switches excel in environments where softer sound dynamics and a plush typing experience are desirable, making them ideal for office settings or tranquil home use. Conversely, if you value tactile feedback and a refined experience over a linear approach, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is tailored for you. Known for its medium-strength bump, this switch satisfies the desire for a pronounced tactile response, making it perfect for gaming or situations where you want to feel each keystroke distinctly. Therefore, your choice should align with whether you prioritize sound and traditional feel with the Hyacinth V2U or tactile feedback and quick actuation with the MX Purple RGB.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more