HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2U is a linear switch that stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a traditional typing experience with a touch of modernity. Enhanced with a 22mm spring, these switches offer a bounciness that adds to the overall typing feel. Crafted from nylon, they produce a softer, bassier sound signature. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches are designed with a long pole, delivering a snappy sound signature that adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke while maintaining smoothness in actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. The Hyacinth V2U is categorized as neutral, polished, silky, and subdued, while the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, offering a different typing experience. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer a unique experience with their housing materials. While the Hyacinth V2U utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in materials affects the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, with the polycarbonate offering a more resonant sound and the nylon offering a more absorbing sound. Both materials have their advantages, with polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while nylon is a classic choice known for its sound-enhancing properties.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Hyacinth V2U and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon housings. This means that typing on these switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, making it an important factor to consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches may still vary due to other factors such as keycaps and switch design.
Overall, the choice between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Akko V3 Piano Pro will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2U may offer a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon top housing of the Akko V3 Piano Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, which create a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Ultimately, users looking for a more resonant and clear sound profile may lean towards the Hyacinth V2U, while those seeking a deeper and richer sound may prefer the Akko V3 Piano Pro.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs slightly, with the Hyacinth V2U requiring 52 grams and the V3 Piano Pro requiring 55 grams. This makes the Hyacinth V2U lighter in terms of bottoming out force compared to the V3 Piano Pro. While both switches fall under the medium-light category, the slight difference in bottom out force may provide a different typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Hyacinth V2U being slightly lighter in feel, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly heavier push feel for those looking for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a quicker response time, the Akko V3 Piano Pro may be the preferred option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between responsiveness and key depth, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch offers a more subdued and bassier sound profile, providing a softer typing experience compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch, which presents a crisp and clacky sound signature. The V2U's neutral sound with a dampened quality contrasts with the V3's resonant and sharp sound that adds a lively touch to each keystroke. However, both switches deliver unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the V2U offering a more traditional and mellow typing sound, while the V3 provides a more modern and vibrant typing acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering reduced friction, smooth key travel, and enhanced tactility. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a bouncy and creamy sensation, characterized by a spring-like feedback and buttery typing feel. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and refined typing experience, yet the V2U leans towards a sleek and polished feel, while the V3 leans towards a more elastic and creamy touch. Whether you prefer a more refined or bouncy typing sensation, both switches offer a high-quality tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V2U provides a softer and more subdued sound with a polished and silky feel, the V3 delivers a crisp and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches offer a unique typing experience that combines traditional and modern elements, catering to a wide range of typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a mellower typing sound and refined feel (V2U) or a livelier sound with a bouncy and creamy typing experience (V3).
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound signature, the Hyacinth V2U may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable. Consider the typing experience you are looking for - whether you prefer a more traditional feel or a livelier, crisp quality to your keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so choose based on what best fits your typing preferences.
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