KTT Lightning vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Lightning and the HMX Xinhai, both of which are linear switches. The KTT Lightning is renowned for its speed and quick response time, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking to gain a competitive edge. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a smoother typing experience with a softer acoustics profile and crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Lightning is characterized by a clacky sound profile, the Xinhai is described as bouncy and creamy. 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
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The KTT Lightning and the HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, providing a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, where the two differ is in their bottom housing material. The Lightning features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai also uses nylon for its bottom housing, leading to a similar effect of creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastic materials.
Despite their different bottom housing materials, the Lightning and Xinhai switches both incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles that are sharp, crisp, and high-pitched. The top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when pressing a key, as well as in interactions with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the bottom housing material influences the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to stiffer plastics. Therefore, while the overall aesthetic and design of the switches may differ, the choice of housing materials ultimately contributes to their unique sound profiles.
In conclusion, the housing materials used in the KTT Lightning and the HMX Xinhai switches contribute to their distinct sound characteristics. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a clear and resonant sound profile, with the added benefit of being compatible with RGB lighting due to their translucency. However, the Nylon bottom housings in both switches offer differences in sound experience, with the Lightning providing a deeper and fuller sound profile while the Xinhai offering a similar dull and round sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience for users, with differences in sound profile depending on where the emphasis lies on the top or bottom housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch show some differences in weight. The Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Xinhai, which has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches are relatively light compared to other switches on the market, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Lightning offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a slightly firmer typing experience, while the Xinhai provides a lighter touch. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to individual preferences for typing feel and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch is 3 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Lightning switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Xinhai switch. This means that the Lightning switch may provide a slightly faster response time, which can be preferred by gamers looking for quick reactions. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may feel more substantial and satisfying to some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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, both the KTT Lightning and the HMX Xinhai switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This means that users can expect a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile from either switch. However, the Xinhai switch may offer a slightly softer acoustics profile due to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem combination. Ultimately, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a clacky sound profile, both switches can provide similar results.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lightning is described as having a subtle and polished feel, offering a gentle resistance and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is characterized as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. While the Lightning switch may offer a lighter and more refined typing feel, the Xinhai switch provides a lively and rebounding sensation. Depending on your preference for typing feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences.
Considering all the available information, both the KTT Lightning and the HMX Xinhai linear switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning switch may appeal to those looking for a slick and polished typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Xinhai switch offers a distinctively crisp and bouncy feel coupled with a softer acoustics profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize speed and precision in your typing or gaming, the Lightning switch may be the better choice for you due to its light 50-gram bottom out force and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you value a softer acoustics profile and a crisper, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch with its 45-gram bottom out force and unique PA12 top housing may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and performance in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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