Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter 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 Jupiter Red and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique features worth considering. The Jupiter Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, making it ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy actuation with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, providing a softer acoustics profile and distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Jupiter Red is categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Xinhai is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Xinhai share the same material for both their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the utilization of RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to enhance the overall typing experience. Both switches strike a balance between stiffness and softness in their housing materials, creating a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke.
While both the Jupiter Red and the Xinhai feature the same housing materials, the way in which these materials are utilized in each switch may result in slight variations in sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, with the translucency allowing for RGB lighting to shine through. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This combination of materials in the housing of each switch results in a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to consider how the top and bottom housings work together. The qualities brought by the polycarbonate top housing will influence the sound when pressing down on a key, while the nylon bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. By combining these different materials in the housing of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Xinhai, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience that balances clarity, depth, and resonance in sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the Jupiter Red is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Xinhai provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch and may benefit from longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Jupiter Red offers a slightly more substantial typing feel with a firmer push, which may be preferred by those seeking a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Jupiter Red offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Xinhai. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Jupiter Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral experience, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for most typing purposes. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Xinhai switch's unique PA12 top housing and POM stem contribute to its distinctively crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch offers a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth, refined finish, with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a gentle typing sensation that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to the Gateron Jupiter Red switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Jupiter Red switch provides a neutral sound profile and a polished, creamy typing experience, the Xinhai switch delivers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy typing sensation. However, both switches offer smooth and consistent keystrokes, making them reliable options for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and smooth, polished keystrokes, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a bouncy, creamy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, then the Xinhai switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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