TTC Honey vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Honey and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Honey switch is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U stands out for its fuller travel distance and traditional typing experience, heightened by a bouncy 22mm spring and softer, bassier sound signature. While the Honey switch is described as 'subdued', 'creamy', and 'buttery', the Hyacinth V2U is characterized as 'neutral', 'polished', and 'silky'. Both switches have their own merits and reasons why one might want to choose either. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is a feature you desire in your switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches ensures a visually appealing and acoustically pleasing experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. While the Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile as the top housing, the Hyacinth V2U features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing in the Hyacinth V2U provides a unique auditory experience compared to the Honey.
Overall, the different housing materials used in the TTC Honey and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a sharp and clear sound, enhanced further by the visual appeal of translucency for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in the Hyacinth V2U creates a deeper and fuller sound that is absorbed by the softer plastic. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate throughout or the combination of sharpness and depth offered by polycarbonate and nylon, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Honey slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a relatively close bottom out force, with the Honey at 50 grams and the Hyacinth V2U at 52 grams, indicating a similar typing experience when fully pressed down. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force like the Honey may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier bottom out force like the Hyacinth V2U may provide a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch with a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect the feel of the keypress for some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel may lean towards the TTC Honey switch, while others who prefer a slightly deeper keypress may prefer the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on the desired level of keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 TTC Honey linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened and subtle typing experience when compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch produces a softer, bassier sound signature due to its nylon construction, offering a fuller and more traditional typing experience. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Regarding feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, giving users a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch provides a polished and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, but the choice between them would depend on whether one prefers a creamy or silky typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the decision between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. While the Honey switch offers a smoother and creamier feel with a deep sound profile, the Hyacinth V2U switch provides a fuller and bouncier typing experience with a softer sound signature. Whether one values a modern or traditional typing experience, there is a switch to cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, both switches are quality options for those seeking linear switches, and with either choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between TTC Honey linear switches and Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switches, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force, a fuller travel distance, and a softer, bassier sound signature with a mix of old and new typing experiences, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences.
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