Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Xinhai offer unique experiences for users. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying tactile bump and a quieter sound profile compared to traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Xinhai is a linear switch that boasts a soft acoustic profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. If you prefer a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound, the Box Mute Jade may be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you appreciate a bouncy and creamy typing experience with precise performance, the Xinhai switch could be the perfect fit. 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
75g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
82g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Xinhai switches are quite similar, as both feature polycarbonate in their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while they share this material in common, the switches differ in their bottom housing material. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
In terms of sound and feel, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Box Mute Jade creates a unique typing experience. The sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing is complemented by the deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing. This results in a switch that offers a balance between clarity and depth in its sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai, with its matching polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, provides a similar typing experience with a sharper sound on key release and a deeper sound on key press thanks to the respective housing materials.
Overall, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Xinhai switches utilize a combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials to create a distinct sound profile. While they share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing for a crisp and clear sound, the difference in bottom housing materials gives each switch its own unique typing feel. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Box Mute Jade or a deeper sound profile with the HMX Xinhai, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with a blend of clarity and depth.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch differ significantly in terms of weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Xinhai more appealing, while those who seek a stronger push feel may opt for the Box Mute Jade. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their differing actuation and bottom out forces, catering to a variety of preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute 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. In this case, the Box Mute Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in the feel of the switch. Generally, a longer travel distance can provide a more tactile typing experience, while a shorter travel distance can result in faster response times, which is preferred by many gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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 Mute Jade clicky switch offers a subtle and quiet click that still retains that satisfying crunchiness commonly associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a sharp and percussive clacky sound, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem materials. While the Box Mute Jade is known for its subdued sound profile, the Xinhai stands out with its distinctive crisp and bright resonance. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a quieter and more toned-down click or a sharper and more vibrant clack in your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a combination of accented tactility, stiffness, and a polished finish that results in a refined and tactile typing experience. These switches provide a balanced tactile feedback without being overwhelming or too subtle, requiring a bit more force to actuate but offering a smooth key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience with a spring-like sensation and a buttery smooth keystroke feel. With a lively rebound and silky key travel, the Xinhai provides a different tactile experience that may appeal to those looking for a more elastic and luxurious typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a quieter click with accented tactility and stiffness, the Xinhai delivers a sharp clacky sound with bouncy and creamy sensations. Whether you prefer a more subdued and refined typing experience or a vibrant and luxurious feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier switch with a distinctive clicky sound and tactile bump, the Box Mute Jade is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smoother keystroke and a softer acoustics profile, the Xinhai may be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. So, whether you value the crunchy feel of a clicky switch or the creamy smoothness of a linear switch, choose the one that best fits your typing needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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