HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique qualities to consider. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a traditional typing experience with a bouncy touch thanks to its 22mm spring. Crafted from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound, blending the nostalgia of old typing with modern features. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, making them a top choice for users looking for vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Jerrzi Salt Ice share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant profile of polycarbonate.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Jerrzi Salt Ice sticks with polycarbonate for its bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sharper and crisper sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a different typing experience compared to the Salt Ice. The split between bottom and top housing qualities impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Jerrzi Salt Ice contributes significantly to the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, they diverge in their bottom housing material. The Hyacinth V2U's nylon bottom housing presents a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Salt Ice's consistent clarity maintained by polycarbonate throughout. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Hyacinth V2U has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Hyacinth V2U slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth V2U would be a better choice due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Salt Ice, with its unknown bottom out force, may provide a different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. This means that if you prefer a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel when pressing down on the keys, the Hyacinth V2U may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quicker response and a more immediate feel, the Salt Ice could be the more suitable choice. In general, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, so you can expect similar performance in terms of key press feel and response.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch is known for producing a neutral and subdued sound profile, ideal for a variety of users and settings. The nylon construction of the switch contributes to a softer and bassier sound signature, providing a more mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is characterized by its exceptionally bright and clacky sound, offering a more energetic and lively typing experience. The choice between these two switches would ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired auditory feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the V2U switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. This polished feel, combined with the 3.9mm travel distance and 22mm spring, offers users a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. Information on the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is currently unknown, but it is likely that the light touch and bright feedback contribute to a responsive and lively typing feel.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Hyacinth V2U provides a neutral and subdued sound with a polished and silky feel, while the Salt Ice offers a bright and clacky sound signature with a light touch. Choosing between these switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes a traditional, mellow typing experience or a lively, energetic one. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that will enhance the typing experience for users seeking a specific audio and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a fuller travel distance with a medium-light bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2U may be the right choice for you, especially if you enjoy a softer, bassier sound signature. On the other hand, if you are seeking a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice switch could be more suitable. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that resonates with your typing style the most.
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