Gateron Ink Red vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and HMX Xinhai linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics. The Gateron Ink Red is favored for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. Known for its smooth feel, crisp sound profile, and effortless typing experience, the Ink Red switch is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a distinctive experience with its PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Categorized as bouncy, clacky, and creamy, the Xinhai switch embodies a blend of sophistication and performance. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Xinhai, it is clear that both switches prioritize sound quality in their design. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Xinhai switch leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the INK blend top housing in the Ink Red switch creates a more subdued, yet still distinct, sound profile.
The differences between the bottom housing materials of the two switches also contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing produces a similar sound profile to its top housing, offering a pointed and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, known for its rounder and duller tone. The use of nylon in the Xinhai switch allows for more sound absorption compared to the stiffer plastic of the INK blend in the Ink Red, resulting in a softer overall sound experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches significantly impacts the user's typing experience. While both the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Xinhai prioritize sound quality, they achieve different sound profiles through their respective housing materials. Whether it be the sharper, crisper sound of the Xinhai's polycarbonate housing or the deeper, fuller sound of the Ink Red's nylon housing, each switch offers a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch, showcasing the importance of material selection in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch differ in weight, with the Ink Red being the heavier option. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The lighter Xinhai switch provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier Ink Red switch offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches deliver similar results in terms of keystroke performance, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Ink Red. This means that the Xinhai will require less distance to actuate when compared to the Ink Red. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Xinhai for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. On the other hand, the Ink Red with its longer travel distance may provide a more solid and deliberate typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It also has a unique chirpy quality that sets it apart from other switches. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. This difference in sound profile means that the Ink Red may be more suitable for those looking for a more versatile option, while the Xinhai would appeal to users who enjoy a crisp and bright sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky and smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also offers a mild and polished feel, making it approachable and refined for most users. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, providing spring-like feedback and a buttery smooth experience. This difference in feel means that the Ink Red may be better suited for those who prioritize smoothness and minimal resistance, while the Xinhai would cater to users who prefer a lively and elastic feedback while typing.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Ink Red excels in providing a versatile sound profile and smooth typing experience, making it a suitable option for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Xinhai stands out with its sharp and crisp sound profile, as well as its bouncy and creamy typing feel, offering a unique and vibrant typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide impressive performance that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Xinhai linear switches, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, crispy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red with its 60-gram bottom out force would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter 45-gram bottom out force and a unique acoustic profile with sharp, clacky sound, the HMX Xinhai would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feel and sound profile you prefer in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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