Kailh Box Jade vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the HMX Xinhai, a linear switch. The Box Jade is ideal for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, perfect for individuals who enjoy the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. In contrast, the Xinhai offers a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, making it a great choice for those seeking a smoother and more precise typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Box Jade and Xinhai also differ in their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Box Jade and the Xinhai share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in their nylon bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of a switch results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a different typing experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. The split between the two housing materials allows for a balance of qualities - the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This showcases how the combination of different housing materials can create a unique typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Xinhai play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings provide a contrasting depth and fullness to the sound. The split between the two housing materials allows for a balance in sound quality and typing feel, showcasing how the combination of different materials can create a unique and personalized typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams, making the Xinhai lighter in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, while the Xinhao demands 45 grams, indicating that the Xinhai is also lighter in this aspect. The Box Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter actuation and bottom out force is preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Box Jades offering a heavier typing experience and the Xinhai providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky 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 that are preferred by many gamers for faster response times. However, the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. For those who prefer a more responsive keypress, the Xinhai may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper keypress with more resistance, the Box Jade may be a better choice despite its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 $3.19.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks with a tactile bump that mimics the sound of stepping on crunchy leaves. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a slightly different sound experience with a description of being clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Xinhai's unique PA12 top housing and POM stem contribute to a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance compared to the Box Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in sound and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is characterized by its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a medium-heavy typing experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelmingly intense. This switch provides a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation for those who prefer a tactile response. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The keys on the Xinhai switch have a lively feel and offer a silky sensation when typing. Again, personal preference in feel and typing experience will play a significant role in selecting the right switch for individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade is best suited for those who enjoy a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile along with an invigorating and tactile typing experience, while the Xinhai appeals to users looking for a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is essential to consider personal preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, selecting either switch will result in a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide an invigorating typing sensation that is both satisfying and immersive. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a unique acoustics profile and a softer sound, the HMX Xinhai linear switches are the way to go. With a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Xinhai switches offer a bouncy and creamy feel that is perfect for those looking for a more subtle yet precise performance. Ultimately, your choice between the Box Jade and Xinhai switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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