Gateron Melodic vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two distinct options stand out: the Gateron Melodic, known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, and the HMX Xinhai, celebrated for its smooth linear feel. The Melodic switch reinvigorates the clicky switch category with enhancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying and classic clicking sensation without sacrificing performance. Ideal for typists and gamers who savor audible feedback, the Melodic switch is categorized as buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy. In contrast, the Xinhai switch offers a different experience altogether; crafted from a unique PA12 top housing and featuring a POM stem, it provides a softer acoustic profile alongside a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, making it perfect for those who appreciate subtle sophistication and precision. Described as bouncy, clacky, and creamy, the Xinhai caters to users seeking a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences, making them valuable choices in the mechanical keyboard world; 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and HMX Xinhai switches present a marked contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and resonant qualities. This choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making the typing experience feel more defined and crisp. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate enhances the visual impact of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice among gamers and RGB enthusiasts. In contrast, the Xinhai switch employs a nylon top housing, which is inherently softer than polycarbonate. This results in a sound profile that is deeper and rounder, as nylon absorbs more sound waves, creating a more subdued auditory experience. Overall, the differing housing materials mean that users can expect significantly different acoustics from each switch's top portion.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Xinhai use nylon, creating uniformity in that aspect of their construction. As noted, nylon's softer nature contributes to a fuller, richer sound profile, leading to a more muted bottom-out feel and sound during typing. This consistency across both switches in the bottom housing may lead to comparable sensations when bottoming out, regardless of the disparities present in their respective top housings. Thus, while the Melodic offers a compelling clarity and brightness from its polycarbonate top, both switches retain the same deeper note and impact of sound through their nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the different top and bottom housing materials result in a unique auditory experience for each switch that harmonizes the strengths of both materials. The Gateron Melodic, with its polycarbonate top, provides a bright sound that contrasts with the rounder timbre from the nylon bottom, creating a dynamic typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai offers a more uniform sound with its purely nylon structure, giving a consistent, deeper auditory profile throughout. In both switches, users will benefit from the signature nylon bottom housing's sound-absorbing qualities, while the distinct top housing materials will determine the overall tonal characteristics when engaging with the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to assess its initial keystroke response, but it does feature a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium-level resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Xinhai switch provides a more delicate typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, appealing to those who prefer lighter switches. Meanwhile, the Melodic switch may offer a more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force. Therefore, if you're in search of a lighter switch suited for extended use, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is the more favorable choice, while the Gateron Melodic may cater to those who appreciate a firmer resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when using the Melodic switch, you'll experience a more substantial push with a deeper feedback, which can be favorable for those who appreciate a hearty feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch's shorter travel distance is designed for quicker actuations, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Therefore, if a more pronounced and traditional typing experience is your preference, the Melodic switch would be the better choice. Conversely, if you lean towards rapid responsiveness and a more abrupt key feel, the Xinhai switch will suit you better. In summary, the Melodic switch is longer at 4 mm, while the Xinhai switch is shorter at 3.4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch presents a resonant and crunchy auditory experience, offering a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp profile that encapsulates the essence of traditional clicky switches. Each keystroke produces an immersive auditory feedback reminiscent of walking on crisp autumn leaves. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch produces a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy quality. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Melodic excels in that resonant clicky feedback, while the Xinhai offers a more pronounced crispness, though ultimately, the sound produced will also depend on the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Melodic switch is designed to deliver a buttery and invigorating typing experience. Its buttery quality allows for smooth and fluid keystrokes, complemented by pronounced tactile feedback that enhances the entire typing experience with its snappy and reactive nature. Conversely, the Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively, elastic feedback sensation when a key is pressed. This makes typing on the Xinhai feel almost spring-like, along with the creamy smoothness that glides over each keystroke. While both switches offer distinct tactile sensations, the Melodic emphasizes feedback and responsiveness, whereas the Xinhai focuses on a springy and silky feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch stand out in their own right, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic offers users a classic and immersive clicky experience with a focus on tactile feedback, while the Xinhai brings a sophisticated, crisp, and buoyant typing experience. If you're drawn to the resonant crunchiness and pronounced tactile feedback, the Melodic is perfect for you. But if you prefer a sharp clack with springy responsiveness, the Xinhai switch might be your best option. Ultimately, your enjoyment will heavily depend on your typing style and the combination of your keyboard, keycaps, and switch choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch should be influenced by your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a firmer key feel and the nostalgic auditory feedback of a clicky switch, the Melodic would be an excellent choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a gratifying tactile resistance, making it well-suited for typing enthusiasts who appreciate that classic "crunchy" sound akin to stepping on autumn leaves. The smooth keystrokes and the resonant, higher-pitched sounds enhance the overall typing experience, making it invigorating for productivity and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more subtle auditory profile, the Xinhai's 45-gram force offers a delightful, bouncy feel that’s ideal for rapid typing and gaming. Its creamy and clacky characteristics create a soft yet precise experience that many find preferable for extended sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value the exhilarating feedback of a tactile click or the refined smoothness of a linear switch.
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