HMX Hibiscus vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Xinhai offer distinct yet appealing experiences for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, making it feel effortless to type, while delivering a satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound signature that enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a smooth and engaging typing experience, allowing users to glide from key to key with ease. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai stands out with its unique PA12 top housing, providing a softer acoustic profile, paired with a POM stem that contributes to a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Xinhai is ideal for users seeking a bouncy, clacky, and creamy typing feel, blending subtle sophistication with reliable performance. Both switches cater to different preferences, and while the Hibiscus offers unparalleled smoothness, the Xinhai excels in its refined acoustic properties. 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and HMX Xinhai both utilize nylon for their switch housings, encompassing both top and bottom components, which leads to a notably similar sound profile during use. Nylon is recognized for its softer characteristics, which inherently contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This shared material lends both models a rounder and duller sound due to nylon's ability to absorb sound vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a consistent acoustic quality from both switches, emphasizing a warm and muted typing experience that enhances the overall user satisfaction.
While the material composition for the top and bottom housings in both models is identical, the experience may vary during different typing phases. The bottom housing typically influences the "bottom-out" sound and feel of the keystroke, which can make a difference in the tactile response when the key is fully pressed down. Conversely, the top housing is more responsible for the sound emitted as the key is released. Given that both the Hibiscus and Xinhai utilize the same nylon material across their top and bottom housings, this effect is harmonized across both switches. Users will find that the typing experience is not only smooth but also consistent, as the characteristics attributed to nylon are preserved throughout the respective actions of key presses.
In summary, while the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Xinhai feature identical nylon materials for their switch housings, the composition ensures that the distinct auditory and tactile qualities are harmoniously blended across both models. This uniformity in material provides a stable foundation for achieving similar results in terms of sound profiles and user experience. Ultimately, regardless of individual preferences for either model, users can expect a comparable sound signature and typing feel, rooted in the classic properties of nylon that both switches employ.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus and HMX Xinhai linear switches both offer lightweight options, but they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Xinhai has a lower actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Xinhai is overall the lighter switch, making it potentially more suitable for users who prioritize extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Hibiscus provides a slightly heavier feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches are classified as light, ensuring that typists and gamers can enjoy comfortable interaction without excessive effort, but the Xinhai offers a marginally lighter touch at both stages of the keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we can see a notable difference. The Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers for quicker reaction times. Conversely, the Hibiscus, with its slightly longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress sensation, as it offers a deeper engagement. Both switches, while relatively close in travel distance, illustrate the trade-off between quick responsiveness and a more tactile experience, catering to different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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.
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 HMX Hibiscus switch offers a sound profile that is notably clacky, poppy, and crispy, providing a lively auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. This sound quality makes it suitable for those who enjoy a pronounced sound during typing, contributing to an overall engaging experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch delivers a unique acoustic characteristic through its PA12 top housing, which softens the overall sound and affords a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance thanks to its POM stem. While both switches offer enjoyable sound experiences, the Hibiscus leans more towards the pronounced and lively, whereas the Xinhai presents a subtle sophistication.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Hibiscus is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness, resulting in a pristine typing experience that many users cherish. It provides an ultra-light actuation force that caters to a more effortless typing style, hence promoting comfort over long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out with its bouncy and creamy feel. The bouncy nature gives a spring-like response, enhancing the liveliness of the feedback as users type. Simultaneously, the creamy texture allows for a smooth and buttery experience that is often described as gliding across the keys, providing a distinct contrast to the Hibiscus' pure smoothness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Xinhai linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Hibiscus excels in delivering a pronounced, satisfying sound and an effortlessly smooth feel, the Xinhai impresses with its softer acoustic profile and a combination of bouncy and creamy tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should depend on individual preferences regarding acoustic and tactile sensations, as both will provide enjoyable typing experiences tailored to their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Xinhai linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize an ultra-light actuation force and a truly smooth typing experience, the Hibiscus switch would be ideal for you. Its 48-gram bottom out force makes it exceptionally light, allowing for effortless typing without the fatigue that can accompany heavier switches, coupled with a unique, satisfying sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a balance of a soft acoustics profile and a touch of lively feedback while typing, the Xinhai switch may be your best bet. With a slightly lighter 45-gram bottom out force, it offers a bouncy and creamy feel, making your typing sessions both enjoyable and dynamic. The Xinhai's unique materials provide a crisper, higher-pitched sound, ensuring a refined auditory experience. In essence, choose the Hibiscus for smoothness and pop, and the Xinhai for a sophisticated, buoyant touch that enhances your typing experience.
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