HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches, a key distinction lies in their typing experiences. The Hyacinth V2U offers a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, catering to those who appreciate a more traditional typing feel with a bouncy touch from its 22mm spring. Made from nylon, it produces a softer, bassier sound signature, blending the old and new worlds of keyboard switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive stands out with its all-POM housings that create a resonant, deep sound. These medium-weight switches boast pronounced tactile feedback and a unique long pole stem design, ensuring a sharp bottom-out for a satisfying typing experience. While the Hyacinth V2U is categorized as neutral, polished, silky, and subdued, the Bsun Olive is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Each switch offers a distinct typing experience, appealing to different preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Olive both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Hyacinth V2U features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Olive boasts a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. These differences in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Hyacinth V2U offering a more precise and resonant sound compared to the Olive's more subdued tone.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Hyacinth V2U utilizes a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Bsun Olive features a POM bottom housing that mirrors the sound profile of its top housing, creating a consistent deep and muted tone. While both housing materials offer unique sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of the Hyacinth V2U may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the Olive's POM bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Olive will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Hyacinth V2U's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Olive's POM top and bottom housing provide a more consistent and muted tone. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality materials that can enhance the typing experience for users, whether they prefer a crisper sound profile or a deeper, more muted tone.
Weight
Despite both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch having the same actuation force of 45 grams, they differ in their bottom out force. The Hyacinth V2U has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Olive, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Hyacinth V2U provides a more medium-light typing experience, while the Olive offers a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Hyacinth V2U, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, users looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Olive for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Olive switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Hyacinth switch. In terms of preference, gamers may lean towards the Olive switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Hyacinth switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer slightly different typing experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Hyacinth V2U switch is characterized as having a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch is known for its resonant and deep sound that stands out due to its all-POM housing. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference, board, and keycap selection.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch offers a polished and silky typing experience due to its refined finish and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile feedback that is both prominent and satisfying. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences in typing feel, offering an enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table. While the V2U offers a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound signature, the Olive stands out with its all-POM housing, resonant sound, and pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound profile, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a traditional typing experience with a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you seek a switch with a resonant, deep sound, pronounced tactile feedback, and a crisp bottom-out feel, the Bsun Olive tactile switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Bsun Olive will depend on your individual typing preferences and desired user experience.
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