Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two compelling options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Xinhai. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky mechanism, providing users with satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click that enhances the typing experience, making it a favorite among typists and gamers who enjoy the reassurance of every keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai, classified as a linear switch, offers a smoother and quieter operation with its unique construction, featuring a PA12 top housing for a softer acoustic profile and a POM stem that facilitates a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Box White V2 excels in delivering a lively and engaging experience, the Xinhai appeals to those seeking a more subdued, yet equally responsive touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Xinhai, a clear distinction emerges between the top housings. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to generate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality originates from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for clearer resonance that enhances the overall auditory experience of key presses. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it a favorable option for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the Xinhai utilizes a nylon top housing, recognized for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer composition. The softer material absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the Box White V2's brightness.
Interestingly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which creates a consistent auditory experience despite their differences in the top housing. Both the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Xinhai deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon material, which absorbs sound and minimizes harshness. This characteristic allows the switches to produce a more muted and enriched sound when the key is fully pressed down, contributing significantly to the overall tactile feedback and sound experience. Thus, while the top housing distinctly influences the sound upon releasing the key, the bottom housing's attributes create a shared foundation that enhances low-end resonance for both switches.
Ultimately, the distinct differences between the top housings contribute to varied auditory experiences when typing on the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Xinhai. While the Box White V2 excels in sharpness and clarity thanks to its polycarbonate top, the Xinhai offers a softer, more mellow sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a sufficiently rich and fuller sound profile at the bottom-out position, demonstrating how the combination of different materials can yield unique yet complementary performance aspects in mechanical keyboards. Therefore, users can anticipate varying sound experiences based on the top housing material while enjoying a consistent sound depth provided by the nylon in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that both switches exhibit light force characteristics, although the HMX Xinhai switch is slightly lighter overall. The Box White V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Xinhai features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that for users who prefer a softer touch and lighter keystrokes, the HMX Xinhai is the better choice, providing an even easier typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2, while still classified as light, offers a marginally heavier actuation and bottom out force, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, both switches are suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, but the HMX Xinhai offers a lighter and smoother experience compared to its Box White V2 counterpart.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that they differ, with the Box White V2 at 3.6 mm and the Xinhai at 3.4 mm. The Box White V2 offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, providing a deeper feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai's travel distance is shorter, which could cater to gamers looking for rapid response times and a more immediate feedback sensation. While both switches are below the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, the Box White V2 may suit those who prefer a more pronounced actuation, whereas the Xinhai could be favored by those who appreciate the quick, agile feel of a shorter keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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.
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 White V2 switch is characterized by its distinct, sharp, and satisfying click, providing an auditory feedback that is both loud and engaging. This click is a hallmark of clicky switches, appealing to those who enjoy an assertive sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch presents a clacky sound profile that is described as crisp, bright, and percussive. While the Xinhai's sound is vibrant, it comes with a subtlety that can make it slightly less pronounced than the Box White V2, catering to users who prefer a lively typing experience without the intensity of a full tactile click. Both switches, however, will be influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap choice, which can enhance or dampen their respective sounds.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switch offers a tactile feedback that is punchy and pronounced, allowing typists to distinctly register each keystroke. This tactile bump can lead to a more engaged typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a definitive response as they type. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is noted for its bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bounciness provides a spring-like sensation, resulting in a lively and responsive feel when pressing the keys. Meanwhile, the creamy aspect of the Xinhai switch indicates a smooth and buttery typing experience, potentially enhanced by factory lubrication or the materials used in its construction. This combination creates a gliding sensation that makes typing effortless and pleasurable, contrasting with the more tactile feel of the Box White V2.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Xinhai switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Box White V2 delivers a clear clicky response and a tactile experience ideal for users who enjoy audible feedback, while the Xinhai presents a bouncy and creamy feel with a lighter clacky sound profile, suitable for those who seek a smoother and livelier typing sensation. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your individual taste in sound and feel, but you can expect satisfaction from either depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Xinhai linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory experience while typing, the Box White V2 is an excellent option. Its 50-gram actuation force, along with its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying click sound, makes it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a more traditional typing experience that offers clear feedback on each keystroke. This switch is great for typists or gamers who thrive on precision and enjoy the auditory cues provided by the click sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is likely to be more up your alley. With a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, the Xinhai offers a bouncy, creamy feel that can make long typing sessions more comfortable. The clacky sound profile adds a playful touch while providing a satisfying rebound on each keystroke, appealing to those who value both performance and acoustics without the overwhelming click feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits—choose the Box White V2 for a more tactile and responsive experience, or opt for the HMX Xinhai linear for a silky smooth and enjoyable feel.
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