Kailh Berry vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry, a linear switch, and the HMX Xinhai, also a linear switch. The Berry is favored for its hefty typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, producing a deep sound profile characterized by its textured, low-pitched, and bassy qualities. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out for its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, offering a softer acoustic profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, described as bouncy, clacky, and creamy. While each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Berry and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities in material and sound profile, the Berry and Xinhai switches may differ in terms of their bottom housing material.
In contrast to the top housing, the Berry and Xinhai switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This material is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Although both switches share this bottom housing material, the impact of the bottom housing is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while both the Kailh Berry and the HMX Xinhai share polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and resonant sound profile, they differ in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The Berry and Xinhai switches offer contrasting sound experiences due to the properties of their respective bottom housing materials. However, both switches are designed to provide a range of tactile and auditory feedback to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch differ significantly. The Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Xinhai is lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Berry is unspecified, whereas the Xinhai requires 37 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Xinhai is lighter both in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Berry. The choice between these switches would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Xinhai, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the Berry. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience, as lighter switches are ideal for extended use while heavier switches offer a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Berry switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai switch. For those who prefer a bit more depth and resistance when typing, the Berry switch may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more immediate and responsive feel, the Xinhai switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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 $2.99.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Depending on your preference for sound, the Berry switch may be more appealing for those who enjoy a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Xinhai switch may be preferred by those who appreciate a crisp, bright, and percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as textured, meaning there is noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may enjoy this textured feel, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Depending on your preference for feel, the Berry switch may offer a unique tactile experience with its friction, while the Xinhai switch may provide a more fluid and elastic typing sensation.
Overall, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched and bassy tone with a textured feel, the Berry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Xinhai switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a springy and textured typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a softer acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch could be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that fits your desired typing experience.
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