HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence typing feel and sound. Two noteworthy contenders in the linear switch category are the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The Hyacinth V2U stands out with a traditional travel distance of 3.9mm, catering to those who appreciate a more tactile typing experience reminiscent of classic keyboards. Its enhanced bounciness, thanks to a 22mm spring, offers a unique blend of responsiveness, while the plush nylon construction delivers a softer, bassier sound signature. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, boasts a meticulous blend of materials that yields a subtle yet satisfying top-out and sound, enhanced further by HMX's renowned factory lubrication. Both switches have their distinct advantages: the Hyacinth V2U for those seeking a nostalgic typing experience with a refined touch and the Sunset Gleam for users in search of an elevated auditory and tactile encounter. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Sunset Gleam utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in similar sound characteristics and visual appeal. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clarity, providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that can enhance the overall auditory experience when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, allowing the glow to shine through beautifully and creating an appealing aesthetic. Therefore, users looking to establish an engaging lighting setup and a crisp sound profile can expect consistent performance across both switches due to their identical top housing material.
Conversely, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which contributes a markedly different sound quality compared to the polycarbonate top. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. This difference significantly influences the overall typing experience—while the top housing emphasizes the sound upon releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing offers a warmer feel and sound at the bottom-out point of each keypress. Thus, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and Sunset Gleam combine materials that produce a rich, complementary sound experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and Sunset Gleam emphasizes their shared design philosophy while highlighting how their materials contribute uniquely to the auditory experience. Users will find a balance between the crispness of the polycarbonate and the warmth of the nylon, leading to a distinctive typing sensation that merges both high-pitched and rounded sound elements. Ultimately, the similarities in their top housings and the differences in their bottom housings create an engaging dynamic that offers a well-rounded acoustic and tactile experience, affirming that both models can deliver similar results in terms of sound clarity while providing distinct sensations during use.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches differ in both weight and feel. 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 Sunset Gleam is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, placing it in the light category. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Sunset Gleam more to their liking, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate toward the Hyacinth V2U, which provides a slightly heavier feel both at actuation and when bottoming out. Overall, the differences in actuation forces indicate that the Sunset Gleam is the lighter switch compared to the heavier Hyacinth V2U.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the differences are clear. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sunset Gleam offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more traditional or deeper feel when typing or gaming, the Hyacinth V2U may be the better choice, providing a hearty depth that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users who prioritize quicker response times, making it ideal for those who favor rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing depth and responsiveness.
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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch features a neutral, subdued signature, striking a balance that caters well to both novice and experienced users. This makes it versatile enough to be effective for a range of environments, from home to the office, without being overly distracting. In contrast, the auditory qualities of the HMX Sunset Gleam remain unspecified, leaving a gap in information that could influence its selection based on sound preferences. It's important to note, however, that the acoustics of any switch can be significantly affected by the keyboard build, plate materials, and keycap choices, leading to a similar potential experience across different environments.
When it comes to feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U excels with descriptors like polished and silky. These characteristics promise a smooth, refined typing experience, reducing friction and enhancing the overall comfort during extended use. The combination of a fuller travel distance and a carefully designed spring contributes to a unique tactile satisfaction. Information on the Sunset Gleam's feel has not been provided, which leaves potential users without specific insights into its tactile properties. However, if HMX uses quality materials and factory lube, one might expect some level of smoothness comparable to that of the Hyacinth V2U.
In summary, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch clearly stands out with its well-defined sound and feel qualities, the HMX Sunset Gleam remains a mystery in these aspects. If you prioritize a balanced, subtle auditory experience coupled with a smooth and pleasant typing feel, the Hyacinth V2U is a solid choice. For the Sunset Gleam, more information would be needed to make a complete comparison, but if it similarly adheres to HMX's known standards, it may also offer a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches could lead to rewarding typing sessions, but the Hyacinth V2U provides more clarity in terms of sound and feel, allowing for informed decision-making.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the environment where you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a medium-light actuation force and appreciate a more traditional typing experience with a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, the Hyacinth V2U is likely the better choice for you. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a softer, bassier sound signature, makes it an excellent option for both office settings and at home, especially if you prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the feel. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter actuation force for quicker typing and enjoy the satisfying clack associated with short-distance switches, the Sunset Gleam may suit you better with its unique manufacturing blend and factory lube. While you may not have detailed sound descriptions for the Sunset Gleam, its craftsmanship suggests a satisfying balance between sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and sound preferences, ensuring a satisfying keyboard experience tailored to your needs.