HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, a linear switch, and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch, stand out for their unique features. The Hyacinth V2U offers a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a traditional typing experience with a bouncy feel thanks to its 22mm spring. Crafted from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch boasts a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility without being overwhelming. While the Hyacinth V2U is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Subdued', the Purple Sakura is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy'. Both switches have their unique benefits, but diving in deeper beyond generalities will help you best decide on the right switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Hyacinth V2U utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Purple Sakura also opts for nylon to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same top housing material, the Hyacinth V2U and the Purple Sakura differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Hyacinth V2U's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing also provides a similar sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a rounder and duller sound experience. Despite the differences in the bottom housing material, both switches are likely to offer a satisfying typing experience with nuanced sound qualities.
Overall, the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate, creating a sharp and crisp sound, the bottom housings differ with the Hyacinth V2U featuring nylon for a deeper sound and the Purple Sakura also utilizing nylon for a rounder sound. Whether it's the impact on bottom-out sound or the sound when releasing a key, these housing materials work together to provide a unique typing experience for enthusiasts looking for a specific sound profile.
Weight
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, which requires 50 grams to actuate. When it comes to bottoming out, the Hyacinth V2U also requires less force at 52 grams, while the Purple Sakura needs 60 grams to fully bottom out. This makes the Hyacinth V2U a lighter option overall, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly longer than the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for quicker response times, the Hyacinth V2U provides a slightly deeper press compared to the Purple Sakura. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience, with the Hyacinth offering a tad more cushion while the Purple Sakura feels a bit more precise. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance in comparison to traditional switches, providing a modern and responsive feel for users looking for efficient keystrokes.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Hyacinth V2U provides a more subdued sound due to its nylon construction, offering a softer and bassier sound signature compared to the neutral sound of the Purple Sakura switches. However, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud or distracting.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth V2U switches are described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switches are characterized as buttery, mild, and snappy, offering a smooth, gentle typing sensation with a responsive feel. While the Hyacinth V2U offers a sleek typing experience, the Purple Sakura switches provide a more luxurious and responsive feel, making them suitable for those who prefer a tactile typing experience.
Overall, while the Hyacinth V2U and Purple Sakura switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches provide a pleasant and versatile typing experience. Whether you prefer a fuller travel distance with a subdued sound like the Hyacinth V2U, or a snappy and buttery feel like the Purple Sakura, you can expect to get similar results in terms of a neutral sound profile and a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for either a softer, bassier sound or a more luxurious and responsive feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: choose the Hyacinth V2U if you prefer a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound signature. The 52-gram bottom out force and the options for a neutral or subdued sound profile make it suitable for various typing purposes. On the other hand, opt for the Purple Sakura if you enjoy a snappy and buttery tactile response with a 60-gram bottom out force. The balanced tactility, along with the buttery, mild, and snappy feel, provides a smooth and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance, sound signature, and tactile response will guide you in selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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