HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features for typing enthusiasts. The Hyacinth V2U stands out with its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a nod to traditional typing experiences with a bouncier feel thanks to its 22mm spring. Crafted from nylon, these switches offer a softer, bassier sound signature, blending the old and the new. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon showcases a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design by KTT. While the Hyacinth V2U is categorized as neutral, polished, silky, and subdued, the Sea Salt Lemon is labeled as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing habits. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal. Similarly, both switches have nylon bottom housings, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of the plastic that absorbs more sound. While the top and bottom housings differ in material for each switch, the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches will be a balance between the qualities of both housing materials.
However, despite the similarities in housing materials between the Hyacinth V2U and the Sea Salt Lemon, the slight variations in the manufacturing process and design of each switch may result in subtle differences in sound and feel. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the top and bottom housings, respectively, can affect the overall typing experience. For example, the Hyacinth V2U may have a slightly crisper sound when releasing a key due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon might offer a deeper bottom-out sound because of its nylon bottom housing. These nuanced differences can cater to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback based on their housing materials. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound and nylon bottom housings for a fuller sound, the division of qualities between the top and bottom housings can result in a nuanced typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound upon key release or a deeper bottom-out sound, the choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal typing preferences and how these subtle differences in housing materials align with your desired experience.
Weight
Both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them light and easy to trigger. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2U requires 52 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires 53 grams, making the Sea Salt Lemon slightly heavier. The difference between the two in bottom out force is minimal, so in practice, users are likely to experience a similar typing feel with both switches. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to whether a user prefers a slightly lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we see a minor difference between the two. The Hyacinth V2U has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 4 mm. While this variance may seem insignificant, it can impact the overall feel and response of the keyboard. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Hyacinth V2U for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a comparable experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may make one more preferable depending on individual preferences.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 offers a more subdued and neutral sound profile, giving off a softer and bassier tone when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, contributing to a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Both switches fall within the moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes and user levels. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch provides a polished and silky typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, appealing to a wider range of users with its approachable qualities in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches promise a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to their progressive springs and dry-lube design.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Hyacinth V2U leans towards a softer and bassier sound with a polished and silky feel, the Sea Salt Lemon delivers a more mellow and low-pitched sound with a mild and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking for, but rest assured that both options will provide a satisfying and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a fuller travel distance and bouncier feel, along with a softer, bassier sound signature, then the Hyacinth V2U may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon could be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing feel and sound you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
