HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Outemu Spring Breeze

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2U, a linear switch, is characterized by its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, which harkens back to traditional typing experiences, providing users with a smooth and subdued keystroke that is both polished and silky. Enhanced with a 22mm spring, the V2U delivers a satisfying bounciness, all while producing a softer, bassier sound profile thanks to its nylon construction. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, brings an audible and tactile feedback that many typists crave, allowing for a more engaging and responsive typing experience. While the Spring Breeze does not have a specific sound profile highlighted, its clicky nature is a favorite for those who prefer their keystrokes to be both heard and felt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether one leans towards the nostalgic, smooth experience of the Hyacinth V2U or the engaging, tactile feedback of the Spring Breeze. 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

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a notable distinction emerges between the top housings of the two switches. The Hyacinth V2U employs a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clearer resonance when typing. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a visually striking choice in backlit setups. In contrast, the Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, which is traditionally recognized for a softer and rounder sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This fundamental difference in composition suggests that while both switches may excel in their own rights, they offer distinctly different acoustic signatures in relation to their top housings.

Interestingly, both the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and Outemu Spring Breeze feature nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality leads to a consistency in the auditory experience attributed to the bottom-out action of both switches. The nylon composition in the bottom housing allows for that same deeper, fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared material means that when users engage with the bottom of the switch, they can expect similar tactile feedback and auditory results, which may contribute to an enjoyable typing experience in both cases.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom construction underscores how the overall sound profile and feel of each switch are influenced by their unique compositions. With the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top providing crispness during key releases and the Spring Breeze's nylon top offering a softer touch, users will experience a variance in typing acoustics and sensation. However, the nylon bottom housing serves as a unifying factor, ensuring that despite these differences, there remains a common thread in how both switches deliver a satisfying sound and feel upon bottoming out. Therefore, while the two switches present contrasting qualities in their top housings, the synergy created by their nylon bottoms could lead to similar tactile satisfaction in practice.

Weight

The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both fall under the medium-light category, but they exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth V2U features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Spring Breeze has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams but a higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This comparison indicates that the Sillyworks switch requires more effort to initiate a keystroke but bottoms out with less force compared to the Spring Breeze. For users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming, the Outemu Spring Breeze may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. However, the Spring Breeze's increased bottom out force could provide a more substantial sensation when fully pressed, appealing to those who enjoy a heavier tactile experience. In conclusion, while both switches offer differing experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, each caters to specific user preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there's a clear distinction. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the shorter of the two options. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more in line with traditional switch specifications. With a shorter travel distance, the Hyacinth V2U offers a more responsive feel, ideal for gamers who prioritize quick keypresses, while the Spring Breeze provides slightly more depth, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U will deliver quicker responsiveness, whereas the Outemu Spring Breeze allows for a more pronounced pressing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch is characterized by its neutral and subdued audio profile. The neutral sound strikes a balance that accommodates various environments, making it suitable whether you're typing at home or in a professional office setting. The subdued nature of the switch provides a soft dampened sound, leading to a less intrusive typing experience, which can be quite appealing for users who prefer a quieter workspace. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks a specific sound profile description, leaving its auditory qualities open to speculation. However, if the Spring Breeze leans towards a more pronounced click, then the sound experience could significantly differ.

In terms of feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U excels with its polished and silky characteristics. The polished finish allows for a very smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and creating a pleasant interaction with the keys. Coupled with its silky feel, the V2U switches make for an exceptionally smooth typing experience as they minimize resistance during key presses, offering a luxurious touch. On the other hand, the feel of the Spring Breeze clicky switch is not defined in the available information, leaving users to guess its tactile feedback and overall typing experience, which can vary widely depending on design and manufacturing.

In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch stands out with its expertly crafted sound and feel, offering a refined and quiet typing experience that combines aspects of traditional and modern keyboards. The lack of specific details concerning the Outemu Spring Breeze, both in auditory and tactile qualities, creates uncertainty about its performance, making it difficult for users to predict whether it would provide a similar or different experience. If you're seeking a switch that offers a plush typing feel and a subdued sound, the Hyacinth V2U makes a compelling choice, whereas the Spring Breeze may require further exploration and firsthand testing to understand its unique characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you favor a more traditional typing experience with a fuller travel distance, a softer sound profile, and an overall smooth and polished feel, then the Hyacinth V2U would be the perfect fit for you. Its medium-light bottom out force and bouncy spring make it an excellent option for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides tactile feedback and an audible click for a more engaging typing experience, the Outemu Spring Breeze is worth considering. Though it lacks the distinctive characteristics of the Hyacinth V2U, its slightly firmer actuation force can still offer a satisfying experience for those who enjoy clicky switches. Additionally, if you’re in an environment that tolerates louder key presses, the Spring Breeze will add a certain liveliness to your typing. Ultimately, assess your priorities—whether that’s sound, feel, or the overall typing experience—to make the switch that aligns with your style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more