Durock Medium Tactile vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Medium Tactile and the HMX Xinhai offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with a jelly-like sound signature, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai boasts a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem. While the Medium Tactile is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, polished, the Xinhai is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy. Both switches have their own set of advantages, making them appealing choices for different typing preferences. 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
65g
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 Medium Tactile and HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. While both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housing, they may provide slightly different typing experiences based on other factors such as the bottom housing material.
In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper sound profile. Although both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the feel and sound of pressing down on these switches may differ slightly due to other design elements.
When considering the overall typing experience, the combination of materials used in the top and bottom housings of a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of key presses. The qualities of each housing material, whether it be polycarbonate for the top housing or nylon for the bottom housing, influence different aspects of the typing experience. For example, the bottom housing material may have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite any differences in housing materials between the Durock Medium Tactile and HMX Xinhai, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through the careful selection of materials for their housings.
Weight
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the HMX Xinhai switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The Medium Tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Xinhai switch has a light bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unspecified, while the Xinhai switch has an actuation force of 37 grams.
In terms of weight, the Xinhai switch is lighter compared to the Medium Tactile switch. The lighter weight of the Xinhai switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier weight of the Medium Tactile switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Xinhai switch offering a lighter touch and the Medium Tactile switch providing a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile. The difference may not seem substantial, but for some users, even a small variation in travel distance can make a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and desired typing or gaming feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 Medium Tactile switch is known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, while the HMX Xinhai switch is described as having a clacky sound profile that is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. Depending on your preferences, the Medium Tactile may provide a more subdued and smoother sound experience compared to the more lively and intense sound of the Xinhai switch.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is commonly described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, offering a tactile experience that is prominent but not overwhelming. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is characterized as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like elastic feedback and a smooth, buttery typing sensation. While the Medium Tactile offers a balanced and refined tactile experience, the Xinhai switch provides a more dynamic and fluid feel during typing.
Overall, if you enjoy a more subdued and refined tactile typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more lively and smooth typing sensation with a sharp and clacky sound profile, the HMX Xinhai switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your own typing style and preferences when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a great choice for you. It offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams and a unique acoustics profile, the HMX Xinhai linear switch would be the perfect fit. It features a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. Whether you opt for the Medium Tactile or the Xinhai, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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