HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both linear switches. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a traditional typing experience with a longer key press compared to the current trend of shorter travel distances. Enhanced with a 22mm spring, these switches offer a bouncier feel. Made from nylon, they produce a softer, bassier sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean is known for being silent, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Outemu Silent Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this feature, the differentiation comes with their bottom housing material. The Hyacinth V2U utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Ocean also employs nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar deep and full sound experience.
Although both switches have nylon bottom housings that result in a similar sound profile, the split in housing materials between the top and bottom impacts the typing experience differently. The bottom housing's qualities influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the key, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing the key. This split allows for a more nuanced typing experience, giving users the opportunity to feel and hear the differences in sound and feel with each key press. Overall, this design choice provides a unique typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences based on the combination of housing materials used in the switch.
In summary, while both the Hyacinth V2U and the Silent Ocean utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile, the differentiation comes with their bottom housing material. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, offering a deep and full sound profile due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. The split between top and bottom housing materials provides a nuanced typing experience, with each housing material contributing to different aspects of the sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, these differences allow users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences based on the unique combination of housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keypress. However, the Hyacinth V2U has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making the Silent Ocean the heavier option when it comes to fully pressing the key down. The Hyacinth V2U provides a medium-light typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Ocean offers a medium-heavy feel, ideal for users seeking a more substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both offer a similar yet slightly different travel distance experience. The Hyacinth V2U has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, whereas the Silent Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm. While the 0.1 mm difference may not seem significant, it can impact the overall feel of the switch. The Hyacinth V2U will offer a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Ocean 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
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch offers a softer, bassier sound signature, described as both neutral and subdued, providing a more moderate and dampened sound profile compared to most switches. This switch marries the traditional typing experience with a modern twist, offering a fuller travel distance and a bouncy feel with its 22mm spring. In terms of feel, the V2U is polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific information available about its sound or feel qualities. Although the sound and feel may vary based on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, without specific descriptors, it is difficult to compare these qualities to the Hyacinth V2U switch.
Overall, while the Silent Ocean may offer a different experience due to its unknown sound and feel qualities, the Hyacinth V2U linear switch provides a unique blend of modern and traditional characteristics with its fuller travel distance, bouncy feel, and smooth, refined typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a softer, bassier sound and a smooth, polished feel, the Hyacinth V2U may be the ideal choice for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a fuller travel distance, softer sound signature, and a bouncy feel, the Hyacinth V2U may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a traditional typing experience, the Silent Ocean could be more suitable. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you embark on your mechanical keyboard journey.
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