Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch with the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it becomes apparent that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 stands out for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack', offering a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience. While the Black Lotus is categorized as 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Mild', the Hyacinth V2 is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy'. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a light actuation weight, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you seek a switch that provides a distinct audible feedback along with performance, the Hyacinth V2 might be more suitable. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a premium and unique feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer distinct advantages, the polycarbonate in the Hyacinth V2 may provide a more resonant sound due to its stiffer nature, while the modified PC and UPE Blend in the Black Lotus may offer a different tactile experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deep and full sound profile. The use of nylon in both the Black Lotus and the Hyacinth V2 contributes to a softer and more absorbent sound profile compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the materials used in the bottom housings are the same, the overall typing experience may differ slightly between the two switches based on other factors such as stem material and switch design.
Although the housing materials in the Durock Black Lotus and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 differ in terms of the top housing, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing provides a similar typing experience in both switches. While the Black Lotus may offer a unique and premium feel with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, the Hyacinth V2's polycarbonate top housing may provide a crisper and sharper sound profile. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their choice of housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus is also heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Hyacinth V2 is lighter at 52 grams. The difference in force between the two switches means that the Black Lotus will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Hyacinth V2 will offer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the preference of the user for a heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
In terms of travel distance, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a slightly longer distance of 4.0mm compared to the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch with a distance of 3.5mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the Black Lotus offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Hyacinth V2. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth V2, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 comes in at $2.91 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
When it comes to sound, the Black Lotus linear switch is known for providing a sound that is currently unspecified, while the Hyacinth V2 linear switch is described as having a clacky sound, which produces a sharp and snappy noise that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer distinctive auditory experiences that can enhance overall typing satisfaction depending on personal preference, keycaps, and keyboard configuration.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is praised for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, which ensures a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with fluid key travel and enhanced responsiveness. Both switches excel in offering a premium typing feel that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Black Lotus and Hyacinth V2 linear switches both boast high-quality performance and unique features that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Black Lotus emphasizes a silky smooth feel and reduced wobble for maximum typing pleasure, the Hyacinth V2 stands out for its crisp top-out sound and seamless blend of sound and performance. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Hyacinth V2, you can expect a top-tier linear switch experience that combines precision, quality, and satisfaction in your typing endeavors. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch with in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a switch that provides a deep, clacky sound with a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Hyacinth V2 could be the perfect choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for both sound and feel. Happy typing!
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