Bsun Hutt vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of tactile versus linear options. The Bsun Hutt switch stands out with its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a snappy and invigorating typing experience that many users appreciate for its clear feedback and satisfying sound profile. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging connection with their keystrokes, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a linear experience characterized by its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, which produce a softer acoustic profile and a distinctively crisp resonance. The Xinhai is perfect for users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, making it an excellent choice for rapid typing or gaming sessions where speed is key. Both switches have their loyal followers, offering different tactile sensations and auditory experiences for users to explore. 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
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
49g
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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and HMX Xinhai switches, one can immediately notice the distinct choice in their top housings. The Bsun Hutt utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, more resonant sound profile that elevates the overall auditory experience. This choice is particularly advantageous for users looking to enhance their RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucent properties, allowing light to pass through more effectively. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai employs nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by its softer and more absorbent nature. This fundamental difference indicates that the HMX Xinhai is engineered for a more muted acoustic response, catering to those who prefer a rounder sound.
Notably, both the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Xinhai utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a shared characteristic that influences the tactile experience and bottom-out sound. The nylon material, being softer, absorbs sound effectively, thus contributing to a balanced auditory feedback across both switch types. Consequently, when a user engages with either switch, the rounder sound produced from the nylon bottom housing remains consistent in both, enhancing the overall typing experience. This uniformity in the bottom housing material underscores a commonality in their construction despite the stark contrast presented by their top housings.
In terms of acoustic performance, if you assess a switch featuring a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom—like the Bsun Hutt—you can expect a musical dichotomy where the top frame amplifies higher pitches and enhances clarity, while the nylon bottom tempers the noise for a smoother return. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai exhibits a combination of the deep, rich sound attributed to a fully nylon composition across both haptics and sound. Thus, while the two switches provide different auditory experiences, they both deliver on the promise of balanced sound profiles, attributed mostly to their analogous bottom housing, which successfully unites the stronger characteristics of the differing top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but the Hutt offers a slightly heavier feel overall. The Hutt’s actuation force is 40 grams with a bottom out force of 49 grams, while the Xinhai features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference means that typists or gamers looking for a more tactile response may prefer the Bsun Hutt for its stronger push feel, whereas those who favor a softer touch might opt for the HMX Xinhai. Ultimately, both switches provide a light typing experience, but the Hutt caters to users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, making the Bsun Hutt the heavier option of the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the Hutt offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai features a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Hutt the longer option, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback with deeper travel, which some users might find preferable for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users looking for quicker response times and a more rapid actuation, appealing especially to gamers. Therefore, if quick responsiveness is your priority, the Xinhai might be the ideal choice, while those who enjoy a more robust feeling in their keystrokes might opt for the Hutt.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch delivers a resonant auditory experience characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. This allows for a balanced sound, making it enjoyable for prolonged typing sessions without being overly invasive. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch produces a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a sharp and snappy auditory response on each keystroke. The interplay between the sound profiles of these two switches offers distinct auditory experiences: the Hutt’s resonant nature contrasts with the Xinhai's clacky tone, perfect for users who have differing preferences for how their keyboard should sound.
In terms of feel, the Hutt switch excels in providing a snappy and invigorating typing experience with its prominent tactile bump. Users will notice a sharp feedback intensity with every keypress that is both responsive and immersive. The moderate to firm actuation force creates a lively typing sensation, ideal for both casual and serious typists. Conversely, the Xinhai switch introduces a bouncy and creamy tactile experience, characterized by a spring-like sensation that offers a lively rebound with each keystroke. The smooth and buttery feel of the Xinhai allows for effortless gliding across the keys, though it lacks the pronounced feedback that the Hutt provides. As a result, while the Hutt focuses on tactile feedback, the Xinhai delivers a more fluid typing motion.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Hutt's resonant sound and sharp tactile feedback provide an engaging experience for those who enjoy a pronounced response. In contrast, the Xinhai’s clacky sound and creamy, bouncy feel appeal to users seeking a smoother and more fluid typing motion. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to customize their typing experience effectively.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a resonant sound profile, the Hutt is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy spring and sharp tactile bump provide a snappy and invigorating experience, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a responsive feel with each keystroke and enjoy the auditory feedback of a clean, higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a smoother, more refined typing experience with subtle sophistication, the Xinhai is the way to go. Its bouncy nature and creamy feel deliver a silky typing experience, perfect for long sessions of typing or gaming where you want a soft acoustic backdrop combined with precise performance. Ultimately, your specific preferences for tactility and sound will guide your choice, ensuring that the switch you select aligns perfectly with your typing style.
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