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Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) are two compelling options that cater to different preferences. The Coral switch stands out for its distinctively crisp typing feel, delivering a low-pitched resonance that elegantly balances sophistication with stellar performance. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a silky smooth experience, making every keystroke not just functional but also a joy to engage with. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more robust typing experience, characterized by its heavier feel and a POM stem that produces a higher-pitched resonance. Crafted with a unique PA12 top housing, the Xinhai (Heavy) strikes an intriguing balance between soft acoustics and precise responsiveness, appealing to users who prefer a switch that delivers a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

55g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

62.5g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial 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

The Jerrzi Coral and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches utilize different materials for their top housings, with the Coral employing polycarbonate and the Xinhai opting for nylon. Polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, delivers a sharper and more distinct sound profile when typing. This material enhances resonance and clarity, which can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy crisp, higher-pitched sounds. The translucency of polycarbonate adds a visual element to RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant backlighting effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Xinhai (Heavy) produces a significantly different auditory experience, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a more subdued acoustic experience that many users find comforting and warm.

Interestingly, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contributes to their shared sound quality characteristics in this aspect. Typing on the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a similar tactile sensation, as the nylon material in the bottom creates a rounded and muted sound that can mask key noise when bottoming out. This material provides a consistent bottoming-out feeling, and since both switches share this aspect, the overall impact of sound can feel unified, regardless of the differences noted in the top housings.

Ultimately, while the two switches diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Coral and nylon for the Xinhai (Heavy)—the similarity in their bottom housing allows for comparable acoustic experiences. Users will notice the sharper and crisper notes originating from the Coral's top once a key is released, while the Xinhai's nylon top provides a fuller, more muted sound in the same action. Hence, the diverging materials provide unique experiences during different interactions with the key switches, with the nylon bottoms ensuring a foundational sound characteristic that links them at their core.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged use, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the Coral's bottom out force remains unknown, while the Xinhai provides a more defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This difference indicates that while the Xinhai may give a firmer feel when fully depressed, the Coral could be advantageous for those who favor a softer, more responsive key feel without the impact of a defined bottom out presence. Overall, the Coral is the lighter option, ideal for those who type for longer periods, while the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Xinhai could better satisfy users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback in their switches.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there's a noticeable difference: the Coral has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai the shorter option, offering quicker response times that gamers often seek. On the other hand, the Coral's greater travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more tactile and less abrupt experience when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, with the shorter Xinhai appealing to those valuing responsiveness, while the Coral may appeal to users who appreciate a little more travel for a fuller feel.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.

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 $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 Jerrzi Coral switch stands out with its lower-pitched resonance, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This quality gives it a smoother auditory profile that many typists find satisfying and less intrusive during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This results in a sharper sound that may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. However, both switches can produce distinct sound profiles influenced by an individual’s choice of keyboard and keycaps, suggesting that users can tailor their experience to their preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Coral is characterized by a silky typing experience, which means it offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless action as you engage the keys. This aspect minimizes resistance, allowing for a fluid typing rhythm that can enhance speed and comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) does not have detailed information regarding its tactile feedback or overall feel, leaving some uncertainty in that aspect. Without concrete descriptions, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison, but the Coral’s established silky feel sets a high benchmark for comfort.

In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches provide unique audio and tactile qualities, each catering to different preferences among typists. The Coral’s low-pitched sound and silky feel make it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a smooth, balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai offers a crisp sound profile, although its tactile characteristics remain unspecified. Selecting between these switches ultimately depends on the desired sound and feel, and both will yield satisfying results in their respective capacities.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the specific experiences you are seeking. If you value a silky-smooth keystroke with a low-pitched sound and a uniquely crisp typing feel, the Jerrzi Coral switch would be an excellent choice. This switch is well-suited for those who enjoy a more refined and nuanced typing experience, making every keypress a pleasure, especially in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a medium bottom-out force, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch might be the better option for you. Its heavier actuation offers a different tactile experience that can provide gratifying feedback when typing, while the softer acoustics profile ensures that it doesn’t become overly disruptive. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a softer, smoother experience with the Coral or a more robust confirmation with the Xinhai, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard setup to your personal liking.

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