KTT Kang White vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the KTT Kang White and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their unique characteristics and qualities. The Kang White is praised for its exquisite linear typing experience, boasting a dazzling typing sound and unrivaled smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating material. With a categorization of 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Kang White offers a refined typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai showcases a unique blend of features, including a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched sound. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy', the Xinhai provides a different typing sensation with a touch of sophistication. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Kang White and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clearer and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, their bottom housings differ. The Kang White features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Xinhai also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience.
The use of polycarbonate in both the Kang White and Xinhai's top housings results in similar sound profiles, offering sharp, high-pitched, and crisp tones. This material's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound quality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a distinct auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the switch's aesthetics, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Although the top housings of these switches are identical, their bottom housings diverge, with the Kang White employing a nylon bottom housing and the Xinhai following suit. Despite the difference in materials, both switches provide a deep and full sound due to nylon's softer composition that absorbs sound effectively.
In terms of housing materials, the Kang White and Xinhai showcase similarities and differences that affect the overall typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in sharp and crisp sound profiles, their bottom housings vary with the use of nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Kang White elicits a deeper and fuller sound, offering a unique typing experience compared to the Xinhai. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings impacts the sound and feel of each switch differently, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is lighter in both aspects. The Kang White has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Xinhai has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Kang White will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai's lighter forces make it ideal for those who prefer a smoother and lighter keystroke, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches provide unique typing experiences, with the Kang White offering a bit more resistance and the Xinhai being more lightweight. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have noticeable differences in their travel distances. The Kang White has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side, while the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Xinhai due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Kang White. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the Xinhai offering a quicker feel and the Kang White providing a more satisfying key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various users and environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch delivers a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy quality, creating a crisp and bright resonance that stands out for its percussive nature. When choosing between these two switches, consider your preference for sound profiles, keeping in mind that the overall sound can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Kang White linear switch does not have specific descriptors provided, whereas the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy. The bouncy feel of the Xinhai switch offers a spring-like feedback that results in a lively sensation with each keystroke, providing a satisfying rebound when pressed. Additionally, the creamy texture of the Xinhai switch ensures a smooth and buttery typing experience, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across the keys with a silky touch. If you prefer a switch with a lively bounce and a creamy feel, the Xinhai may be the better option for you.
In conclusion, the KTT Kang White and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kang White excels in providing a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, paired with a smooth typing experience due to its self-lubricating material. Meanwhile, the Xinhai stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel that offers a unique tactile and auditory experience. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing sensation, you can choose between these switches to tailor your mechanical keyboard to your desired specifications. If you prefer a similar typing experience, both switches may yield comparable results in terms of functionality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Kang White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter bottom out force, a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics, and a POM stem for a crisp, clacky sound, the Xinhai would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best typing experience for you.
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