KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Xinhai offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch designed to provide a subtle yet satisfying tactile response with a light touch and crisp actuation, while the Xinhai is a linear switch crafted for a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', while the Xinhai is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own appeal, providing users with different typing experiences to suit their preferences. 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
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Xinhai feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, they may differ in the design and aesthetics of the housing itself.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Ash Gray utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Xinhai also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic in bottom housing material may result in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
In conclusion, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Xinhai results in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the top housings contribute to the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housings have more impact on the overall sound and feel of bottoming out a key. Despite the similarities in housing materials, the switches may offer distinct typing experiences based on the design and construction of their housings.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we can see that the Ash Gray has a slightly higher actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams while the Xinhai only requires 45 grams. This makes the Xinhai the lighter option overall, as it has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force. The Ash Gray, on the other hand, falls into the medium-light category due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the Xinhai would be the ideal choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Ash Gray may be more suitable. Both switches provide different levels of tactile feedback and actuation, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal options for those looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Gamers may appreciate the quick actuation of keys with the shorter travel distance, while others may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Ash Gray switch to provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for various settings and users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and characterized by a crisp and bright tone. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during keystrokes and resulting in a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Additionally, it provides a mild typing sensation that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to a wide range of users. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy feedback that gives keys a spring-like sensation upon actuation. Furthermore, it provides a creamy typing experience, characterized by smooth and buttery keystrokes that feel effortless and silky.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch excels in providing a subtle yet noticeable tactile response with a light touch and crisp actuation. It offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel that enhances the typing experience for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch stands out for its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, which result in a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched sound. It offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel that provides a lively and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light touch with a crisp actuation and a moderate sound profile, the Ash Gray switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a softer acoustics profile, distinctively crisp sound, and a bouncy, creamy typing sensation, the Xinhai switch may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a tactile yet unobtrusive typing experience or a smooth and precise performance with a clacky sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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