HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, providing a nod to traditional typing experiences with a bouncier feel thanks to its 22mm spring. Made from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound signature. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience with its lengthened single-stage spring. It strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it accessible to a wide range of users. While the Hyacinth V2U is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Subdued', the Tourmaline Blue is described as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches that make use of RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the overall design. However, the Hyacinth V2U differs with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience.
While both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Hyacinth V2U's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch. Despite sharing a common top housing material, the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience for each switch.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch results in a combination of qualities that influence the sound profile and feel of typing on the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The bottom housing has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, with the Hyacinth V2U's nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate. Conversely, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, with both switches benefiting from the clear and resonant qualities of polycarbonate for a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Each housing material brings unique characteristics to the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth V2U has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. For those looking for a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of use, the Hyacinth V2U would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Everglide Tourmaline Blue for its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the lighter or heavier weight catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with a travel distance of 4.0 mm. While the 0.1 mm may not seem like a significant difference, it can impact the typing or gaming experience depending on personal preferences. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth V2U, while those who prefer a deeper keystroke may opt for the Tourmaline Blue. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, offering a balance between speed and depth for users depending on their individual preferences. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience, with the slight difference in travel distance catering to different user 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches fall under the descriptor of "Neutral," which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, using them at home or work. The Hyacinth V2U offers a subdued sound signature, dampening the noise when pressed, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile, enhancing the typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Hyacinth V2U is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is characterized as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with gentle resistance during key presses. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a seamless and comfortable feel with their unique characteristics.
In conclusion, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have slightly different sound and feel profiles, they both cater to users looking for a neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement. Whether you prefer a softer, bassier sound signature with a bouncy feel (Hyacinth V2U) or a deep, thocky sound profile with easy-to-press keys (Tourmaline Blue), you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Hyacinth V2U with a bottom out force of 52 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch, the Tourmaline Blue with a bottom out force of 67 grams might be the better option. Additionally, consider the sound and feel you are looking for in a switch. The Hyacinth V2U offers a more neutral and subdued sound, along with a polished and silky feel. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue also provides a neutral sound but with a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics align best with your typing style.
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