Kailh Box White vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White and HMX Xinhai are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Box White is a clicky switch known for its maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch with pronounced tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai is a linear switch with a unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Box White offers a clicky and crunchy typing experience, the Xinhai provides a bouncy and creamy feel. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different users. 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
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the HMX Xinhai are quite similar in terms of their top housing, as they both utilize polycarbonate. This material 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 are designed to be used with RGB lighting. However, while the top housings of both switches are alike in material and function, their bottom housings differ. The Box White features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound.
Despite the difference in their bottom housings, both the Kailh Box White and the HMX Xinhai offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials. The Box White's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a switch with a sharp, clear top-out sound and a deep, full bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai's uniform use of polycarbonate throughout the housing results in a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile. While the differences between the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of each switch, both switches are able to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
In conclusion, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the HMX Xinhai ultimately depends on personal preference for sound and feel. The Box White may appeal to those who enjoy a more layered typing experience, with its combination of polycarbonate and nylon offering a mix of sharpness and depth in sound. Alternatively, the Xinhai's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the housing provides a uniform, sharp sound profile that may be preferred by those who value consistency in their typing experience. Regardless of the differences in their housing materials, both switches offer high-quality construction and deliver a satisfying typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter option while the Box White is the heavier one. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, offering a lighter typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Xinhai, while users desiring a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Box White. Both switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individual preferences for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent years, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Xinhai switch may be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a slightly deeper press may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Box White switch more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel each user is looking for in their keyboard.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy experience akin to stepping on autumn leaves. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and immersive, making typing on these switches a satisfyingly auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Xinhai switch is crafted with a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem for a softer acoustics profile with a distinctly crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Box White providing a more resonant and crunchy experience compared to the clacky sound of the Xinhai.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Xinhai switch offers a lively feel with rebound when pressed, as well as a silky sensation akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile with a polished feel for a sleek typing experience, while the Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel for a softer acoustics profile with a distinctly crisp resonance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp, resonant sound with a crunchy tactile feedback, the Box White switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Xinhai switch would be more suitable. Consider the bottom out force as well, with the Box White requiring a medium 60 grams and the Xinhai a lighter 45 grams. Ultimately, your decision should align with your desired typing experience, whether it's a crisp and crunchy feedback of the Box White or the smooth and bouncy feel of the Xinhai.
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