HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves faced with a kaleidoscope of choices, each promising a unique typing experience. Among them, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Strawberry Latte both stand out as linear switches, but they cater to different tactile preferences and auditory experiences. The Hyacinth V2U boasts a more traditional, fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, complemented by a bouncy 22mm spring that encourages a responsive feel. Its nylon casing produces a softer, bassier sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate a subdued yet polished typing experience. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte distinguishes itself with a super smooth action and a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—appealing to users seeking a clean and efficient performance. Both switches offer unique advantages, whether you favor nostalgic typing sensations or a more modern smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable distinctions arise, particularly with their top housings. The Hyacinth V2U employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its strength and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, more crisper sound profile ideal for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing, which provides a smooth typing experience due to its superior wear and shock resistance. While both materials are engineered to optimize switch performance, the polycarbonate's rigidity produces a higher-pitched sound, while the POK material leans towards creating smooth, clacky feedback. As a result, typists may experience a more resonant sound with the Hyacinth V2U, while the Strawberry Latte could appeal to those who prioritize a fluid typing sensation.
Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which creates common ground in terms of acoustic performance. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, dampening the overall auditory feedback during typing. This shared bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent sound characteristic between the two models when bottoming out a key. The deeper tone created by the nylon contributes to an immersive typing experience; therefore, while the top housings may influence the sound more perceptibly during the release phase, the underlying sound profile during key presses will resonate similarly across both the Hyacinth V2U and the Strawberry Latte.
In essence, the combination of materials leads to a unique blend of sound attributes in both switches. The contrasting top housing materials will dictate how each switch behaves during the release, resulting in different sound signatures, yet the unity of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a cohesive experience during key presses. Users of both switches will likely appreciate the divergence in acoustic characteristics while enjoying a fuller and deeper sound profile at the base level, achieved by the shared nylon bottom. Hence, while there are differences in the switch designs, the fundamental experience of typing on both remains intriguingly aligned thanks to their shared bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Hyacinth V2U has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an easier switch to press. This results in a more effortless typing experience for longer sessions, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch. In terms of feel, the Hyacinth's heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a more substantial feedback, suited for those who appreciate a stronger push. Overall, the Hyacinth V2U is the heavier option, while the Strawberry Latte provides a lighter typing experience, making them distinct choices for different user preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch measures 3.9 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference shows that the Hyacinth V2U provides a deeper tactile experience compared to the Strawberry Latte. For gamers who favor quicker response times, the Strawberry Latte’s shorter distance may provide the responsiveness they seek. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced feel when pressing a key might prefer the Hyacinth V2U’s longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches can influence the typing experience significantly, depending on individual preferences for depth and feedback.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 produces a notably softer and bassier tonal quality, thanks to its nylon composition which contributes to a more subdued and balanced sound profile. This switch avoids overwhelming resonance while still providing enough auditory feedback to remain engaging. It's suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, offering a neutral sound that caters to both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. Meanwhile, while the details for the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte are minimal, it is described as balanced—not overly quiet nor excessively resonant—suggesting it also avoids extremes, capable of blending well in both casual and formal environments.
Regarding feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U excels with its polished and silky characteristics, which deliver a remarkably smooth and refined typing experience. This is attributed to the high-quality materials and potentially factory lubing that minimize friction, ensuring fluidity in key travel. The combination of these qualities results in a pleasurable tactile interaction when typing. The Huano Strawberry Latte, while lacking specific descriptive qualities, is noted to be exceptionally smooth owing to modern manufacturing techniques. Thus, both switches offer a high level of smoothness, although the Hyacinth V2U promises an enhanced tactile experience through its meticulous craftsmanship.
Overall, if you're seeking a satisfying typing experience, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches hold their own in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth V2U leans slightly towards a bassier sound with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte offers a more neutral sound profile with a similarly smooth feel. Ultimately, choosing between them may come down to personal preference in sound and subtleties in typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, your personal preferences and intended usage scenarios will guide your decision. If you're someone who enjoys a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 52 grams and appreciates a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm that mimics a more traditional typing experience, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is the clear choice for you. Its softer, bassier sound signature and polished, silky feel can provide a more satisfying typing experience, especially for those who value comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with the Strawberry Latte, which has a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, this switch will cater to your need for effortless key presses and rapid typing without fatigue. Its smooth operation and balanced sound profile make it well-suited for both gaming and home office environments where you want a little personality without being overly loud. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what feels best for your typing style and how you plan to use your keyboard.
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