HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Aflion Windy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features worth considering. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, reminiscent of traditional typing experiences, and is enhanced with a 22mm spring for added bounciness. Additionally, crafted from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound signature, appealing to those seeking a blend of old and new. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer a neutral sound profile with a distinct bounce from their extended spring, providing a comfortable medium-light 55g bottom-out feel. While the Hyacinth V2U is categorized as neutral, polished, silky, and subdued, the Windy Shadow is labeled as low-pitched, mild, and neutral. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Aflion Windy Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design of the keyboard. With both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits.
In terms of their bottom housing material, both the Hyacinth V2U and the Windy Shadow opt for nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing of these switches ensures a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for users. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Hyacinth V2U and the Windy Shadow allows for a balanced typing experience. The qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switches, impacting the sound and feel in different ways. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This dual housing material design enhances the overall typing experience and ensures a harmonious blend of sound characteristics in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth V2U is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's unknown actuation force. Both switches have a medium-light bottom out force, with the Hyacinth V2U at 52 grams and the Windy Shadow at 55 grams. The weight of a switch can greatly impact typing experience, with lighter switches allowing for longer typing periods and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing feel. In this case, the Hyacinth V2U would be the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, while the Windy Shadow would be slightly heavier considering its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that the Hyacinth V2U has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Windy Shadow's 3.5 mm. The difference may seem slight, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The Hyacinth V2U will provide a deeper press, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or individuals looking for a faster response time. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Hyacinth V2U leaning towards the traditional side and the Windy Shadow offering a slightly shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and response time.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 neutral and subdued sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a dampened sound when pressed. The bassier sound signature adds a softer touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a low-pitched sound with a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile suitable for various typing environments, whether at home or work, and the choice of board and keycaps can also affect the overall sound produced.
Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The silky feel enhances the overall typing smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. The overall feel of these switches may cater to different preferences based on the desired level of smoothness and typing resistance.
Considering all available information, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance and bounciness, marrying traditional typing experiences with modern features, while the Windy Shadow provides a distinctive bounce from its extended spring and comfortable medium-light feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are solid options that can deliver satisfying results to newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound signature, the Hyacinth V2U may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring and a more neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone, the Windy Shadow could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision may come down to your preference for sound and feel, so take these differences into account when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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