SP-Star Ayara vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara, a linear switch, is known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Xinhai, also a linear switch, stands out with its unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch embodies subtle sophistication and precise performance. While the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', the Xinhai is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. These general distinctions can help guide your decision, but to truly determine the best switch for your needs, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the HMX Xinhai differ significantly in terms of the sound profile they produce. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. This disparity in sound characteristics showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience on a mechanical keyboard.
Despite their differences, both the Ayara and the Xinhai feature nylon bottom housings, highlighting the classic nature of this switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softer plastic absorbing more sound and contributing to a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users of both keyboards can expect a certain level of consistency in the typing experience, despite the variations in their respective top housings. Overall, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches emphasizes its enduring popularity and effectiveness in creating a satisfying typing sound.
When both top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the top and bottom, impacting the sound and feel differently. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This division of characteristics underscores the importance of considering the materials used in both top and bottom housings when evaluating the overall performance of a mechanical keyboard. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, users can make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Xinhai is the lighter option between the two switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Xinhai, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Ayara provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Ayara providing a more traditional key press experience and the Xinhai offering a shallower feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as having a clacky sound profile that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. The Xinhai's unique PA12 top housing and POM stem contribute to a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Ayara. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The Xinhai's bouncy and creamy feel, coupled with its unique materials and factory lubrication, create a lively and silky typing sensation that sets it apart from the Ayara.
In conclusion, the Ayara linear switch is recommended for those who prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch embodies subtle sophistication and precise performance with its softer acoustics profile, crisp, higher-pitched resonance, bouncy and creamy feel. While both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, ultimately the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style. Regardless of which switch you choose, both the Ayara and Xinhai switches promise a satisfying typing experience that will enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel, then the Ayara switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a blend of subtle sophistication with precise performance, then the Xinhai switch is the perfect choice for you. Ultimately, consider your desired sound profile and feel when making your decision between these two exceptional linear switches.
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