KTT Mallo vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Mallo and HMX Xinhai are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences. The Mallo is praised for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, offering a balanced choice for typists who enjoy subtle feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out with its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, providing a distinctive crisp, higher-pitched resonance for a precise performance. While the Mallo is described as 'feathery', 'mild', and 'subdued', the Xinhai is characterized as 'bouncy', 'clacky', and 'creamy'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and 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
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the HMX Xinhai are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Mallo features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Xinhai also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience.
Despite the similarities in the top housing material, the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the HMX Xinhai differ in their bottom housing. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the impact of this material varies slightly. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing also elicits a deep and full sound profile, providing a similar typing experience with a more absorbent touch. Overall, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo and the HMX Xinhai share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, they differ in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. The Mallo and Xinhai both offer a deeper and fuller sound profile with their nylon bottom housing, with slight variations in the sound quality due to the different densities of the materials. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches contribute significantly to the overall typing experience, with each material offering unique sound characteristics to enhance the user's typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Mallo has an actuation force of None grams, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Xinhai the lighter option in both actuation and bottom out forces. Lighter switches like the Xinhai are ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience and may help reduce finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, medium-light switches like the Mallo may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who enjoy a bit more resistance when pressing down keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Mallo the longer travel distance of the two. A longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial press on the keys, providing a feeling of depth and stability. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may be favored by those looking for quicker response times, especially gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it a versatile choice for various typing environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. The choice between the two would greatly depend on personal preference regarding the sound produced during typing. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and typing technique.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing experience. With a light actuation force, this switch reduces finger fatigue and offers a comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a bouncy and creamy sensation, giving keys a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Again, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mallo provides a balanced and subtle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Xinhai offers a sharper and bouncier feel with a clacky sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and sound aesthetics. It's important to consider factors such as typing style, work environment, and personal comfort when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the feel and sound profile you prefer. If you prioritize a switch with a subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, the Mallo switch is a great choice. Its neutral sound signature and versatile nature make it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch may be more to your liking. Its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem offer a different typing experience that combines subtle sophistication with precise performance. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel and sound when typing.
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