KTT Kang White vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stand out as excellent linear options, each offering distinct characteristics to cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Kang White is celebrated for its poppy sound profile and remarkable smoothness, thanks to a self-lubricating material that ensures a delightful typing experience. With a low-pitched, neutral tone, this switch creates a more subdued acoustic environment while still delivering the satisfying feedback that many users seek. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) introduces a firmer typing experience with its heavier build, crafted from a unique PA12 top housing that provides softer acoustics and a POM stem that generates a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination results in a more pronounced typing sound, ideal for those who appreciate a subtler yet sophisticated auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique advantages, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Kang White Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$1.99 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Kang White and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to notably different acoustic profiles. The Kang White's polycarbonate top housing allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to the material's stiffness, which enhances resonance. This attribute also makes it visually appealing for RGB lighting setups, as polycarbonate's translucency highlights the luminous effects beautifully. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound waves more effectively. This difference in materials results in a noticeable contrast in the tonal characteristics of the switches, with the Kang White offering a brighter sound while the Xinhai provides a more subdued auditory experience.

However, both switches share a common material for their bottom housings, utilizing nylon. This coincidence means that both switches elicit a deeper sound profile when bottoming out, as nylon’s higher sound absorption qualities result in a duller and rounder sound. While the Kang White’s nylon bottom housing complements its polycarbonate top’s brightness, enhancing the overall aural experience as an amalgamation of both materials, the Xinhai (Heavy) maintains a cohesive full-bodied sound profile throughout, relying solely on nylon for auditory characteristics. Thus, although the top housing materials differ significantly, the consistent use of nylon at the bottom allows both switches to achieve a similarly deeper sound when pressed down.

Ultimately, the sonic experience of each switch is defined by the interaction of both top and bottom housing materials. While the Kang White offers a unique dynamic with its polycarbonate top contributing higher frequencies, the nylon bottom ensures that the overall sound profile still resonates with warmth. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) relies on the inherently softer nylon materials for a consistent feeling and auditory response. Each switch's design choices reveal how balance is crafted through material selection: a stiffer top contrasted with a softer bottom in the Kang White, and a unified nylon structure in the Xinhai (Heavy) leading to differing yet harmoniously full sound experiences as users engage with each option.

Weight

The KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, which can significantly influence the typing experience. The Kang White requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch necessitates a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a more substantial pressing experience. This heavier resistance can be preferred by users looking for more tactile feedback and a stronger push feel during typing. While both switches fall within the medium range for their respective forces, the distinct differences suggest that typists seeking comfort for long sessions might lean towards the Kang White switch, whereas those desiring a firmer keystroke could opt for the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Kang White stands at 4 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Kang White the longer switch by a margin of 0.6 mm. For users who favor a more pronounced feel while typing or gaming, the Kang White may provide a more satisfying experience due to its deeper travel distance. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you enjoy a hefty depth in your keystrokes, the Kang White is the way to go, whereas those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Xinhai (Heavy).

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience. The low-pitch gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a pleasant atmosphere for typing without being overly distracting. Its neutral sound profile also makes it versatile, suitable for both casual and professional environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch features a unique PA12 top housing that contributes to its softer acoustics profile. Coupled with a POM stem, the Xinhai produces a distinctly crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. While both switches create different auditory experiences, the choice may ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall context of use, including the keyboard and keycap selection.

In terms of feel, the specifics of the KTT Kang White's tactile characteristics remain unspecified, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons with the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). However, the Xinhai (Heavy) is designed with an emphasis on a heavier actuation force, which may provide a more substantial feeling during typing. This can enhance the experience for those who prefer a firmer response. Ultimately, the exact feel of each switch will depend on factors such as individual typing style and preferences, so it’s advisable to try both switches if possible to truly understand their differences.

In conclusion, the KTT Kang White switch is recognized for its low-pitched, neutral sound and exceptional smoothness, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is characterized by its crisp, higher-pitched sound and heavier actuation force. While the sound and feel of the Kang White may appeal to those seeking a mellower typing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) may better suit users who prefer a firmer feedback with a more sophisticated auditory profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on your personal typing style and the ambiance you seek in your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that provides a balanced typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the Kang White stands out as an excellent option. Its smoothness, aided by self-lubricating materials, offers a pleasurable typing experience, making it ideal for extensive typing tasks and general use whether at home or in a professional setting. Additionally, its low-pitched sound profile ensures a more subdued acoustic output, which might be preferable if you’re in environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier tactile experience, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its 62.5 grams bottom-out force, could be better suited for your needs. This switch not only provides a more substantial feel but also boasts a distinctively crisp resonance thanks to its POM stem, making it favorable for those who appreciate sharper acoustic feedback during typing. In essence, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter operation, go for the Kang White; if you prefer a firm typing experience with a brighter sound, opt for the Xinhai (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

KTT Kang White Linear

$1.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more