Kailh Box Navy vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Xinhai stand out as prime contenders. The Box Navy is ideal for those who crave a heavy typing experience and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound associated with vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Xinhai offers a different experience with its smooth linear feel and distinct acoustics profile crafted from unique materials. If you are looking for a switch that is sharp, resonant, and invigorating, the Box Navy may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a bouncy, clacky, and creamy typing experience, the Xinhai might be more your style. 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
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
90g
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 housing materials used in the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Xinhai switches are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in 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 that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience from both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the housing materials diverge when it comes to the nylon bottom housing of the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Xinhai switches. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, they differ in the specific qualities they bring. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. As a result, users can expect a slightly different typing experience when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches.
Overall, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Xinhai switches play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sharp and crisp sound, their use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to differences in the depth and fullness of the sound produced. Users looking for a switch with a particular sound profile may find these distinctions crucial in making their decision between the two switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch differ significantly. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. This means that the Box Navy requires more force to register a keystroke compared to the Xinhai. In terms of preference, those who prefer a heavier typing feel would opt for the Box Navy, while those who prefer a lighter touch would choose the Xinhai. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is a crucial factor to consider based on individual typing preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy 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, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for quick actions in games. However, for those who prefer a more pronounced key press and a greater sense of depth when typing, the Kailh Box Navy with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Box Navy 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards from the 80s. The high-pitched sound profile and sharp click create an immersive auditory experience for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of clicky switches. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. The unique PA12 top housing and POM stem contribute to a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance. Sound preference ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Box Navy providing a more distinct and vintage typing experience, while the Xinhai offers a unique and sophisticated auditory profile.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is characterized by its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump offers a high feedback intensity, firm actuation force, and a truly immersive typing sensation. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience. The spring-like feedback of the bouncy switches provides a lively feel with rebound when pressed, while the creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches provide a distinct feel, with the Box Navy catering to those who prefer a more intense and stiff typing experience, and the Xinhai appealing to those seeking a softer and more elastic feedback sensation.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy switch and the HMX Xinhai switch offer unique sound and feel profiles to suit different preferences. If you enjoy a heavy, clicky typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound, the Box Navy is the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer, clacky sound with a bouncy or creamy feel, the Xinhai switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches are ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth linear feel and a softer sound profile, the Xinhai switches would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most.
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