Gateron CM vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CM and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches but offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CM stands out for its full nylon housing, which provides a richer and deeper sound signature, making it perfect for those who enjoy a buttery and bassy typing experience. Additionally, the CM's lengthened, dual-staged spring offers a bouncy typing journey that feels smooth and frictionless. On the other hand, the Xinhai features a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a higher-pitched resonance, appealing to those who prefer a bouncy and clacky feel while typing. 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the HMX Xinhai both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to the material's softer plastic absorbing more sound. However, the top housing of the CM is made of nylon, while the Xinhai's top housing is made of polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the CM. Additionally, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing is more aesthetically pleasing for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both the Gateron CM and the HMX Xinhai use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, they differ in their top housing materials. The nylon top housing of the CM offers a softer sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai provides a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This difference in material affects the overall typing experience, with the CM offering a deeper sound and the Xinhai producing a sharper and crisper typing sound. Additionally, the choice of polycarbonate for the Xinhai's top housing adds an aesthetic advantage for users interested in RGB lighting due to its clear properties.
The impact of housing material on the overall sound profile of a switch is significant, as demonstrated by the Gateron CM and HMX Xinhai switches. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound experience, the choice of nylon for the CM's top housing and polycarbonate for the Xinhai's top housing leads to distinct sound differences. The softer nylon top housing of the CM creates a rounder sound, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai produces a crisper and higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai switch is lighter in both categories. The CM switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it heavier compared to the Xinhai switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The CM switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience, perfect for those looking for a substantial feel while typing, while the Xinhai switch provides a lighter touch, making it suitable for those looking to type for extended periods without fatigue. Both switches offer different experiences based on the preference of the user, with the CM switch offering a stronger push feel and the Xinhai switch offering a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the HMX Xinhai linear switch's travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals looking for fast response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, but if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Gateron CM may be the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly shallower key press, the HMX Xinhai may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their close travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is best known for its bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and rich sound during key presses. This is due to its full nylon housing and factory lube job, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a higher-pitched resonance, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the CM provides a deeper and richer sound, whereas the Xinhai offers a crisper and brighter tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The extended, dual-staged spring in the CM contributes to a bouncy typing sensation, adding to the overall comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for being bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback and a silky typing sensation. Both switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the CM focusing more on a polished and refined feel, while the Xinhai emphasizes a lively and rebounding feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out for its bassy and thocky sound profile, as well as its buttery and polished typing feel. It offers a rich and smooth typing experience with a bouncy sensation, perfect for those looking for a deep and satisfying sound. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch excels in producing a clacky sound and a creamy typing feel, providing a crisp and bright tone with a spring-like feedback. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a deeper and richer sound or a crisper and brighter tone, along with the type of typing feel that suits your preference.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CM linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is important to focus on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a rich, deep sound profile, the Gateron CM linear switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a unique acoustics profile that offers a crisp, higher-pitched sound, the HMX Xinhai linear switch might be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience.
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