HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Huano Sakura (V2)

Overview

When choosing between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Sakura, both of which are linear switches, enthusiasts have varied preferences to consider. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U stands out with its full travel distance of 3.9mm, reminiscent of traditional typing experiences that many users still cherish. Its 22mm spring provides a delightful bounciness, while the nylon construction results in a softer, bassier sound signature. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switches offer a feather-light touch, making them exceptionally suited for extended typing sessions, paired with medium acoustics that strike a balance between feedback and noise. While the V2Us encapsulate a blend of nostalgia and modernity with their polished and silky feel, the Sakuras prioritize ease of use and comfort during long hours of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

Huano Sakura (V2) Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

$4.59 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Sakura present contrasting materials in their top housings, which significantly affect their sound profiles. The Hyacinth V2U utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its rigidity and clarity. This leads to a sharper, crisper sound profile, particularly appealing for users who appreciate heightened auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making the illuminated switch visually striking. In contrast, the Sakura's top housing is made from POK (polyketone), which also contributes to a smooth typing experience but emphasizes different acoustic characteristics. While POK boasts superior durability and a very low coefficient of friction, leading to a smooth key press, it may not have the same sharpness in sound that polycarbonate provides. Therefore, while both switches offer high-quality performance, their top housings distinctly influence the auditory experience, making them suited for different user preferences.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Sakura utilize nylon, a classic and established material in switch design. Nylon is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which tends to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This consistency in bottom housing material leads to a similar auditory experience between the two switches, as both will give a rich and rounded sound when bottoming out. The combination of the nylon bottom housing with the starkly different top housings leads to an exciting blend of sound dynamics; the Hyacinth V2U enhances higher frequencies through its polycarbonate top, while the Sakura’s POK top may provide a more muted yet smooth experience.

Overall, the performance of both switches can be expected to be beneficial to different user groups, despite their differing top housing materials. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is likely to cater to users seeking brighter sounds and vibrant aesthetics due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Huano Sakura may appeal more to those who prioritize smoothness and durability, thanks to its POK top house. Given that both switches share nylon as the bottom housing material, they will maintain a degree of similarity in the foundational auditory experience, with variations primarily arising from the distinct properties of the top materials. Thus, users can achieve enjoyable results with either switch, depending on their specific preferences regarding sound, feel, and visual appeal.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, one can observe distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura switch requires a lighter actuation force of just 35 grams and has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a clear choice for those who prefer a softer touch. This significant difference in both actuation and bottom out forces indicates that users who prioritize comfort for long typing sessions or extended gaming may find the lighter Huano Sakura more appealing. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the heavier Hyacinth V2U, which provides a firmer feel with its greater actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is the heavier of the two, while the Huano Sakura stands as the lighter option.

Travel distance

The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm highlights the Hyacinth V2U as the option that offers a slightly deeper and more gradual keypress, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sakura's shorter travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster key actuations that can be beneficial in time-sensitive scenarios. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you enjoy a more pronounced feel with a hearty depth, the Hyacinth V2U would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer responsiveness and speed, the Sakura would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound characteristics, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U presents a neutral and subdued auditory profile. This means that the switch produces a moderate and approachable sound that doesn't overwhelm the senses, making it suitable in a variety of environments—be it home or workplace. The subdued quality contributes to a more muted sound when pressed, which is ideal for users seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches have their sound described as medium acoustics; however, specific descriptors were not provided. Given the differences, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U will likely provide a more composed auditory experience, while the Sakura may have its own unique tone that could appeal to different preferences.

In terms of tactile feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches are noted for their polished and silky qualities. This means that users can expect a particularly smooth and refined typing experience, enhanced by either the materials used or effective factory lubrication. The silky texture minimizes resistance, allowing for effortless key presses and releases, which is a tremendous advantage for those who spend long hours typing. Unfortunately, the Huano Sakura switches lack detailed descriptions of their tactile feel, leaving their performance in this area unknown. Nevertheless, the Hyacinth's sleek and smooth typing qualities offer a distinct advantage for users who prioritize a luxurious feel in their keyboard switches.

In conclusion, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch distinguishes itself with its fuller travel distance, polished and silky feel, and a subdued yet neutral sound profile, the Huano Sakura linear switch remains less defined due to a lack of detailed information regarding its sound and feel characteristics. However, the Sakura's feather-light touch suggests it might offer an easy typing experience over extended sessions. Thus, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U stands out as a more defined and refined option for those looking for a blend of modern and traditional characteristics in their typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a slightly heavier key feel with a solid bottom-out force and enjoy a more traditional typing experience, the Hyacinth V2Us stand out with their medium-light actuation force of 52 grams and a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm. This switch's bounciness, polished and silky feel, along with its subdued, bassier sound signature, make it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming while bringing a nostalgic touch to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Huano Sakura, with its even lighter actuation force of 45 grams, is designed for effortless key presses. The Sakura’s medium acoustics are well-suited for quieter environments, making it ideal if you're looking to type for hours without fatigue. In essence, choose the Hyacinth V2U for a more traditional and tactile experience, and opt for the Sakura when you need something feather-light and comfortable for extensive typing.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura (V2) Linear

$4.59 per 10

Learn more