HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U, a linear switch, and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, reminiscent of traditional typing experiences, and enhanced with a 22mm spring for added bounciness. Crafted from nylon, these switches offer a softer, bassier sound signature, appealing to those looking for a blend of the old and the new. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches provide a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making them a "Goldilocks" tactile option for balanced typing. While the Hyacinth V2U leans towards a polished and subdued typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro offers a stepped and neutral feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and resonant properties. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it ideal for users looking to customize their keyboard appearance. This similarity in top housing material means that users can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetic experience from both keyboards when it comes to their top housings.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Hyacinth V2U utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. Similarly, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a more subdued and round sound profile, providing a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Overall, both keyboards provide a balanced typing experience by combining the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings of the switches. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities allows for a nuanced and dynamic typing experience that combines the distinct characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon materials. Users can expect to feel and hear the differences in sound and feel between the top and bottom housing materials when using either the Hyacinth V2U or the Violet Gold Pro keyboards.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Hyacinth V2U has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. The Hyacinth V2U is considered medium-light in terms of force requirements, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro's force for bottoming out is unavailable, making it difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier than the Hyacinth V2U. When considering weight, individuals may opt for a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or choose a heavier switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly longer than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing. Those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may find the Hyacinth V2U to be a better fit, while those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, providing a quick and responsive typing experience.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 linear switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile due to its nylon construction, providing a softer and bassier sound experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch also falls under the neutral sound category, making it suitable for various environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined keypress. This smoothness is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing feel. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a stepped tactile feedback, allowing users to feel a distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensation during keypresses.
Considering all the available information, while both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth V2U linear switch presents a softer and bassier sound with a polished and silky typing experience, perfect for those looking for a traditional yet smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile and stepped tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a balanced and distinct tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a softer and bassier sound signature with a bouncier typing experience that marries traditional and modern elements, opt for the Hyacinth V2U. On the other hand, if you seek a balanced typing experience with a medium tactility and light touch, the Violet Gold Pro may be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate switches with a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction, the Hyacinth V2U would suit your preferences, while the stepped tactile feel of the Violet Gold Pro provides a different typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing preferences and priorities in both sound and feel aspects.
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