Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky response, delivering both tactile feedback and an audible click that can enhance typing satisfaction and provide clarity in keystrokes, making it a favorite among typists and gamers who enjoy a lively interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a linear design, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that absorbs sound for a muted acoustics profile, coupled with a POM stem that contributes to its smooth actuation. This switch is perfect for users who prefer a quieter, more understated experience without sacrificing performance, ideal for competitive gaming or working in shared spaces. Ultimately, both switches serve different needs in the realm of typing and gaming, captivating enthusiasts for different reasons. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy), notable contrasts arise particularly in their top housings. The Box White V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. This stiffer plastic not only enhances clarity during key presses, but its translucency also provides an excellent medium for RGB lighting to shine through, making it visually appealing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon for its top housing, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, yielding a rounder auditory experience that is markedly different from the crispness of polycarbonate.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches share the same material: nylon. This consistency means that both the Kailh Box White V2 and Xinhai (Heavy) deliver similar deep and rich sound profiles when pressed down. The nylon composition ensures that both switches absorb sound more efficiently, which enhances the overall acoustic experience. While the top housing materials lead to distinct auditory responses, the shared nylon bottoms act as a common ground that reinforces the thickness and depth of sound, leading to a suitable level of sound dampening in both switches.
Overall, the combination of materials used in the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) creates a differentiated yet complementary experience. The unique polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 heightens clarity and resonance, ideal for users looking for that sharper sound, while the nylon tops of the Xinhai (Heavy) create a more subdued acoustic environment. However, since the nylon bottoms are identical, both switches will provide a similarly robust and full typing feel, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, a clear distinction in typing experience emerges. The Box White V2 is the lighter option, making it well-suited for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a heavier feel, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push with each keystroke. This difference in actuation and bottom out forces indicates that while both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, the Kailh Box White V2 will provide a gentler typing experience compared to the firmer feedback of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Box White V2 measuring 3.6 mm and the Xinhai (Heavy) at 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai (Heavy) the shorter option by 0.2 mm. For gamers or those seeking faster response times, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may be more appealing. On the other hand, the Box White V2, with its slightly longer travel distance, might be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of depth and responsiveness, providing users with distinct experiences based on travel distance.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) for $3.19.
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
The Kailh Box White V2 switch is celebrated for its distinct audible click, offering a clear and crisp sound that enhances the tactile typing experience. This click is not just a mere byproduct of the switch's design; it serves to provide auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch produces a softer acoustic profile, thanks to its PA12 top housing, which results in a higher-pitched resonance that is more subdued compared to the assertive click of the Box White V2. Both switches, however, are influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps, so you might find varying sound characteristics depending on your setup.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is recognized for its pronounced tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile nature contributes to an engaging and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is designed to provide a smooth linear feel characterized by a heavier actuation force, which can create a different typing dynamic. While the Box White V2 emphasizes tactile feedback, the Xinhai delivers a fluid stroke that certain users may prefer for a more seamless typing experience.
Considering both switches, the Kailh Box White V2 excels in providing a clicky sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who crave an engaging auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) focuses on a softer sound profile and a heavier linear feel, catering to those who prefer a smooth and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, as both offer unique attributes that appeal to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, your preferences and typing style will play a crucial role in your decision. If you enjoy a light switch with a distinctive click and tactile feedback, the Box White V2 would be ideal for you, especially if you appreciate the auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience, making it feel more engaging. This switch is particularly suited for typists and gamers who prefer a lively, responsive keystroke. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that requires a bit more force and offers a smooth, linear feel without clicks, the Xinhai (Heavy) would be more appropriate. Its heavier bottom-out force can provide a satisfying resistance and a subtle sophistication in acoustics, making it excellent for focused work or gaming sessions where precision is paramount. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal taste—whether you thrive on the tactile and audible excitement of clicky switches or the smooth and deliberate action of linear switches.
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