Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique features and characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Black Lotus stands out for its smooth feel and precision, along with reduced wobble for a more stable typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight and a removable light column for in-switch lighting, it offers a polished and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U provides a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, catering to those who prefer a more traditional typing feel. Enhanced with a 22mm spring for added bounciness, these switches crafted from nylon offer a softer, bassier sound signature. While the Black Lotus is categorized as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Hyacinth V2U is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Subdued'. Ultimately, each switch has its own strengths and it's important to dive deeper to determine which switch best suits your preferences and typing style.
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
3.90 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel to the switches. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2U utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aspect to the housing.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, which is considered a classic choice for switch housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This aspect of the housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience of both the Black Lotus and the Hyacinth V2U switches, offering a similar tactile and auditory response to users.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed accordingly. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a pivotal role in the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the unique qualities of the different housing materials in both the Black Lotus and the Hyacinth V2U switches.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a higher actuation force at 55 grams compared to the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the Hyacinth V2U's 52 grams. The Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, while the Hyacinth V2U offers a lighter typing feel with its medium-light forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Hyacinth V2U, while those looking for a more substantial push feel may prefer the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Hyacinth V2U the shorter option compared to the Black Lotus. The difference between the two is minimal, but if you prefer a slightly quicker response time, the Hyacinth V2U may be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a slightly deeper key press, the Black Lotus may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel due to their close travel distances, so you can expect comparable results from both options.
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 V2U 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and environments. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch offers a subdued sound, delivering a quieter and more subtle typing experience. The choice of board and keycaps also plays a significant role in the overall sound produced by the switches.
When it comes to feel, both the Black Lotus and the Hyacinth V2U switches offer a polished and silky typing experience. They both have a smooth and refined finish, leading to reduced friction and effortless key travel. Additionally, the Black Lotus is described as silky and buttery, enhancing typing comfort, while the Hyacinth V2U provides a fuller travel distance of 3.9mm, reminiscent of traditional typing experiences, with an added layer of bounciness.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switches offer a premium typing experience with their unique characteristics. While the Black Lotus excels in providing a silky smooth feel and in-switch lighting, the Hyacinth V2U stands out with its fuller travel distance and softer, bassier sound signature. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's specific preferences for sound, feel, and other features.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch or the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force with a unique light column and smooth typing experience, the Black Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a fuller travel distance and a softer, bassier sound signature, the Hyacinth V2U could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer different characteristics that cater to different typing needs, so it is essential to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you while typing.
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