Durock Light Tactile vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a softer and more subtle typing experience compared to its sharper tactile counterparts. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch boasts a unique construction with a PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Light Tactile offers a polished and mild typing experience, the Xinhai provides a bouncy and clacky feel with a creamy sound profile. 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
52g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. However, the two switches differ in their bottom housings. The Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Xinhai also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing similar qualities in terms of sound profile.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Durock Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai, the distribution of these materials throughout the switches can affect the typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing material, in this case polycarbonate, will have a more noticeable effect on the sound when releasing a key. This distribution of materials highlights how each part of the switch plays a role in overall sound and feel.
Overall, while both switches offer similar characteristics in their housing materials, such as the polycarbonate top housing providing a sharp and crisp sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Durock Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai contributes to a distinct typing experience. The differences in sound profiles resulting from the nylon bottom housing being softer and sound-absorbing compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing showcase how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch with an actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Light Tactile requires 67 grams, which is still heavier than the Xinhai's 45 grams. In terms of weight, the Xinhai is the lighter option, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Light Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches can provide similar results depending on the user's typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Xinhai a potentially better choice for gaming. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt, in which case the Light Tactile with its longer travel distance may be preferred for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls into a comfortable middle-ground for most users. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, giving a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The HMX Xinhai's unique materials and potentially factory lubrication contribute to its distinct feel.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile and HMX Xinhai switches offer contrasting experiences in both sound and feel. While the Light Tactile provides a gentler and more neutral typing experience, the Xinhai offers a sharper, clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences in sound and feel, users can select either switch to suit their needs. Both switches are designed to deliver a unique and satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy their mechanical keyboard to the fullest.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you enjoy a gentle, angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a more mild, polished typing experience, the Light Tactile would be a good fit. However, if you prefer a clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy typing sensation, the Xinhai switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing feel.
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