Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw is known for its unique material blend of nylon, UMPE, and silicon, creating a creamy yet lightweight switch that provides a slightly textured feel right out of the box. On the other hand, the Xinhai boasts a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of sophistication and performance. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Xinhai is labeled as bouncy, clacky, and creamy. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the HMX Xinhai both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, while the Xinhai utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Nylon & UPE blend top housing of the Keygeek Raw is exclusive to their switches, suggesting a unique sound experience compared to other switches on the market.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw uses a UMPE & Si blend, while the Xinhai utilizes nylon. The UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw switches offers a unique sound profile that is specific to their brand. Alternatively, the nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material that absorbs more sound. These bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch, with the Keygeek Raw providing a different sound profile than the Xinhai.
While the housing materials for the top and bottom differ between the Keygeek Raw and the HMX Xinhai, each material brings its own unique qualities to the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during bottom-out sounds and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence when letting go of a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on their housing materials, with the Keygeek Raw showcasing an exclusive blend and the Xinhai utilizing classic nylon for a deep and full sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Xinhai has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Keygeek Raw is not specified, making it difficult to directly compare to the Xinhai's 37 grams actuation force. However, based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force. This suggests that the Keygeek Raw may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Xinhai may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the HMX Xinhai linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. Therefore, whether you choose the Keygeek Keygeek Raw or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you can expect to have a similar typing feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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.
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 Keygeek Raw is considered a neutral switch, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, while the Xinhai provides a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy quality. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard. As for feel, the Keygeek Raw offers a textured, mild, and subtle typing experience, catering to users who appreciate a bit of friction and a light resistance. On the other hand, the Xinhai provides a bouncy and creamy feel, giving a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation while typing. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the user experience depending on individual preferences. If you enjoy a creamy typing experience with a clacky sound, the Xinhai switch might be the way to go. Conversely, if you prefer a textured feel with a neutral sound profile, the Keygeek Raw switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct characteristics that can elevate your typing experience, so it comes down to personal preference and the specific set up you are aiming for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, opt for the Keygeek Raw at 57.5 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Xinhai at 45 grams may be more suitable for you. Additionally, consider the unique material blend of the Keygeek Raw for a creamy yet lightweight typing experience, or the subtle sophistication and precise performance of the Xinhai with its PA12 top housing and POM stem. Sound-wise, the Keygeek Raw offers a neutral sound profile, while the Xinhai provides a clacky, crisp sound. And in terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw offers a textured, mild, and subtle typing experience, while the Xinhai provides a bouncy and creamy sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for force, material blend, sound, and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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