HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sillyworks hyacinth V2U linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS silent linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The hyacinth V2U stands out with its fuller 3.9mm travel distance, providing a nod to traditional typing experiences with added bounciness from the 22mm spring. Crafted from nylon, these switches offer a softer, bassier sound signature, blending the old and the new seamlessly. On the other hand, the WS silent linear switches by Wuque are designed to elevate office and work experiences, reducing switch noise with ingeniously designed stem railings without silicone dampeners. This design choice offers a distinct typing experience that prioritizes tranquility and precision. Both switches are categorized as neutral and subdued, but the Hyacinth V2U leans towards a polished and silky feel, while the WS silent linear is described as mild and muted. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. However, the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing. This contrast in sound profiles can be attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Hyacinth V2U's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prefer RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing offers a classic look.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the Hyacinth V2U and the WS Silent Linear differ in their top housing materials. The distinct characteristics of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2U's top housing provide a unique sound experience with sharper tones, while the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in top housing materials showcases how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch. Additionally, the absorption of sound by nylon compared to polycarbonate contributes to the differing sound profiles of the two switches.
In understanding the impact of housing materials on switch sound profiles, it becomes evident that the distribution of these materials plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. With the properties of the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Hyacinth V2U and WS Silent Linear creates a balanced typing experience. While the use of polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2U's top housing produces a sharper sound profile, the nylon bottom housing maintains a deep and full sound. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear's nylon top and bottom housing offer a consistent and rounded sound profile throughout typing.
Weight
When comparing the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, a significant difference is found in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth V2U has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth V2U is 52 grams, still lighter than the WS Silent Linear's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the WS Silent Linear switch a heavier option overall. The Hyacinth V2U provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for prolonged use, while the WS Silent Linear offers a more substantial typing feel, suitable for those who prefer a heavier touch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing force.
Travel distance
The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the WS Silent Linear has a shorter travel distance compared to the Hyacinth V2U. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a quicker response time, the WS Silent Linear may be the better choice. On the other hand, some users may find the Hyacinth V2U with its slightly longer travel distance to provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and how it impacts typing or gaming 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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 per 10 switches.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches are considered to have a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of purposes whether at home or in the office. The Hyacinth V2U offers a more subdued sound, providing a dampened typing experience, while the WS Silent Linear switches are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Both switches offer a subtle sound signature, with the Hyacinth V2U leaning towards a bassier tone and the WS Silent Linear emphasizing tranquility and precision.
When it comes to feel, 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 WS Silent Linear switches provide a mild typing experience, gentle and approachable to most users. The silky feel of the Hyacinth V2U enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, while the WS Silent Linear switches aim for a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Hyacinth V2U leans towards a fuller travel distance and a bassier sound, the WS Silent Linear switches prioritize noise reduction and precision. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the more traditional typing experience provided by the Hyacinth V2U or the innovative silent and responsive feel of the WS Silent Linear switches. Ultimately, both options offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound, the Hyacinth V2U may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value reduced switch noise and a distinct typing experience without silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Linear might be more suitable. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel that align with your preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing needs and preferences.