HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, stand out among the rest. The Hyacinth V2U is renowned for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a nod to traditional typing experiences with a bouncier feel thanks to its 22mm spring. Crafted from nylon, these switches offer a softer, bassier sound signature, blending the old and new in a unique way. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches prioritize a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Hyacinth V2U leans towards a more polished and subdued typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey excels in providing a satisfying and silent feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Outemu Silent Grey feature polycarbonate top housing, which means they will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other materials. This stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, adding a colorful element to the overall aesthetic of the keyboard.
In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Hyacinth V2U and the Silent Grey offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This material choice provides a different tactile experience compared to the top housing, as the qualities of the bottom housing come into play when bottoming out keys, creating a unique typing sensation for users.
While both switches share the same top housing material in polycarbonate and bottom housing material in nylon, the distribution of these materials can impact the typing experience. The qualities of the top housing are more noticeable when releasing a key, while the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This split between the top and bottom housing allows for a balanced typing experience that combines the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate with the deep and full sound of nylon, providing users with a well-rounded keyboarding experience.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2U has a lighter 52-gram force compared to the Silent Grey's heavier 65-gram force. This means that while the Hyacinth V2U may be easier to activate, the Silent Grey will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches, the Hyacinth V2U is slightly shorter than the Silent Grey. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Hyacinth V2U due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Silent Grey with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer similar performance with slight differences in travel distance depending on individual preferences.
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 Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Hyacinth V2U switch offers a neutral profile with a subtle, bassier sound compared to other switches. This provides a quiet yet satisfying typing experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those seeking a silent yet responsive switch. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch is described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This enhances the overall typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch is unknown, it is likely to offer a satisfying tactile feedback with a smooth keystroke.
Overall, the Hyacinth V2U switch offers a fuller travel distance and a bouncy feel with a softer, bassier sound. It marries traditional typing experiences with modern features, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those seeking a silent yet satisfying switch. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a fuller travel distance and bouncy feel, or a quiet and tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch that offers a traditional typing experience with a bouncy feel and a softer sound signature, then the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch would be a great choice for you. The medium-light bottom out force and fuller travel distance make it suitable for both beginner and advanced typists in various settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be the better option for you. The medium-heavy bottom out force and silent operation make it ideal for those who prioritize a satisfying yet silent typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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