HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Vintage Citrus both offer unique advantages tailored to different typing experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is characterized by its fuller 3.9mm travel distance, catering to those who value a traditional typing feel with a touch of modernity, thanks to its enhanced 22mm spring that provides a delightful bounciness. Crafted from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound signature, making them a great choice for typists who appreciate a refined auditory experience as they type. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a lightning-fast actuation force of just 1mm, which enables rapid-fire key presses, ideal for intense gaming sessions. Its bright, clacky sound profile and remarkably smooth push feel make it a superior option for players seeking quick, responsive feedback. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the nostalgic feel of the Hyacinth V2U or the speedy, dynamic nature of the Vintage Citrus, each switch serves its purpose well. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Vintage Citrus employ distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their respective acoustical profiles. The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U features polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound due to the material’s rigidity. This rigidity enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when keys are pressed, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more vibrant auditory experience, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate's translucency allows for better illumination. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer texture which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon top absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory output that contrasts sharply with the brightness of the Hyacinth.
When it comes to the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Vintage Citrus utilize nylon, providing a similar acoustic foundation in this respect. Since nylon is effective in absorbing sound, both switches produce a more muted sound profile upon bottoming out, ensuring a softer landing that dampens noise and results in a round auditory experience. This shared characteristic of the nylon bottom housing creates a foundational richness in sound across both models, allowing typists to achieve a deeper auditory feel regardless of the differing upper materials. Therefore, while the top housings differ significantly, the shared nylon bottom creates a unifying auditory element.
In summary, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Vintage Citrus switch models feature contrasting top housing materials—polycarbonate and nylon, respectively—their identical nylon bottom housings ensure a consistent sound experience when bottoming out. Players using either switch can expect a deep and muted auditory experience from the nylon bottom, while the top housing's material defines the overall sound profile during the release of keys. This differentiation illustrates how the interaction between different materials can affect user experience, giving each switch its unique tonal imprint while still maintaining a cohesive sound foundation through the shared nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we observe slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth V2U has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and has a marginally higher bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, which suggests that they are suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing excessive fatigue. While the differences in force are minimal, users who prefer a lighter switch may lean towards the Hyacinth V2U for its lower force requirements, whereas those who favor a bit more resistance might choose the Vintage Citrus for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, while the Hyacinth V2U is the lighter option, both switches will deliver a similar experience due to their comparable medium-light characteristics.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Hyacinth V2U offers a deeper and more substantial pressing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower distance, caters more to those who favor speed and quicker response times, a preference often seen among gamers. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you value a fuller keypress, the Hyacinth V2U is likely to better meet your 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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U showcases a unique auditory profile that balances a moderate actuation force with a softer, bassier tone, which stems from its nylon construction. This results in a subtly subdued sound that is pleasing for both casual and professional environments, offering a pleasant typing experience without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, while specifically designed for gamers, doesn't have a defined sound profile stated here. However, given its gaming orientation, one might expect a more pronounced sound characteristic that enhances rapid gaming inputs, potentially veering towards a brighter, clacking sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U excels with its polished and silky characteristics. The refined finish and smooth key travel give users a distinctly luxurious typing experience, with reduced friction that allows for comfortable use over prolonged periods. Its full travel distance contributes to a tactile satisfaction, diverging from more conventional gaming-focused switches. The Vintage Citrus switch does not provide specific details about its feel, but its exceptionally low actuation force suggests that it may offer a unique typing experience that prioritizes speed and rapid response, making it suitable for gaming environments.
In conclusion, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U presents itself as a well-rounded linear switch, merging traditional typing feel and sound with modern enhancements, making it great for both general use and light gaming. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus appears to prioritize performance, especially for gamers, with an emphasis on quick actuation and responsive typing. Although the specifics of the Vintage Citrus's sound and feel are not detailed, if you're looking for distinct sound and responsiveness alongside a smooth typing experience, opting for the Hyacinth will likely yield similar results to some extent as it balances performance with an acoustic profile suitable for various settings.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should revolve around your intended use and personal preferences in typing or gaming experiences. If you value a traditional typing feel with a fuller travel distance, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams and added bounciness from the 22mm spring make it suitable for those who appreciate a balanced mix between comfort and responsiveness, along with a soft, bassier sound that is more subdued. This switch is ideal for those who may be using their keyboard for both typing tasks and casual gaming, making it versatile enough for diverse environments, such as home or office. On the other hand, if you are primarily a gamer who thrives on speed and rapid key inputs, the HMX Vintage Citrus would be a better fit. Its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm enables lightning-fast responses, designed specifically for competitive gaming scenarios, while its bright, clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback that many gamers enjoy. In summary, consider the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U for a refined typing experience and a dampened sound, while the Vintage Citrus is optimal for those who need a swift, responsive switch with a lively sound to bolster their gaming performance.
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