HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2U stands out with its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a traditional typing experience and a bouncy feel thanks to its 22mm spring. Crafted from nylon, this switch produces a softer, bassier sound signature, offering a blend of old and new elements. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is perfect for those seeking a quiet typing experience, as it delivers a smooth and seamless feel with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces. While the Hyacinth V2U is characterized as being 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Subdued', the TTC Silent Red is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the TTC Silent Red feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, the differences in their bottom housings will impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.

In terms of their bottom housings, the Hyacinth V2U utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, thereby creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar acoustic properties to the Hyacinth V2U. Both switches will provide a unique typing experience due to the differences in their bottom housings, which play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches.

While the top housing material remains consistent between the Hyacinth V2U and the Silent Red, the differences in their bottom housings will influence the typing experience of each switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences for typing sound and feel.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch reveals some distinct differences. The Hyacinth V2U has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams, making them both light in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth V2U requires 52 grams, which is lighter than the Silent Red's 63.5 grams. This means that while both switches have a similar actuation force, the Silent Red provides a heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the Hyacinth V2U for a lighter typing feel, while others may opt for the Silent Red for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to whether one prefers a lighter or heavier keystroke feel.

Travel distance

The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Red. The slight difference in travel distance may not be significant to most users, but for those who are more particular about the feel of the switch, it could make a difference in their typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects the overall typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user. The nylon construction of the V2Us results in a softer, bassier sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, perfect for quiet office or shared living spaces where noise is a concern. Both switches aim to provide a quieter typing experience, with the Hyacinth V2U offering a slightly more neutral sound compared to the Silent Red's specifically muted sound.

When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch is described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The 3.9mm travel distance and 22mm spring add a layer of bounciness to the typing feel. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke feel that is gentle and approachable. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Hyacinth V2U focusing more on a polished and silky feel, while the Silent Red prioritizes a buttery and mild typing sensation.

Overall, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and TTC Silent Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth V2U provides a balance between tradition and modernity with its fuller travel distance and subtle sound profile, while the Silent Red excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique characteristics and qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a fuller travel distance, a softer sound signature, and a bouncy feel, the Hyacinth V2U may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and silent typing experience, especially for office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a switch that marries the old and the new like the V2U, or a switch that offers a muted, comfortable typing experience like the Silent Red. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more