Gateron Melodic vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence the typing experience, and two popular contenders in this space are the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Gateron Melodic stands out as a refreshing take on the traditional clicky switch, combining advanced features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems to deliver a satisfying tactile bump and the iconic clicky sound that many users cherish. Its descriptors—Buttery, Resonant, Invigorating, and Crunchy—highlight its unique blend of acoustic enjoyment and typing comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a linear experience characterized by its PA12 top housing, which promotes softer acoustics, and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, elevated resonance. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile while enjoying seamless key presses. Each switch has its own distinct appeal: the Melodic for those who thrive on auditory feedback and tactile challenges, and the Xinhai (Heavy) for users seeking a quieter yet responsive typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches exhibit significant differences when it comes to their top housing materials, which greatly affect their acoustic properties and overall typing feel. The Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when a key is released but also projects very well, making it especially appealing for users who have RGB lighting in their setups, as it allows for more light transmission due to its translucency. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, a material traditionally associated with a deeper and fuller sound. This softness absorbs more vibrations and reduces resonance, resulting in a more muted auditory feedback upon key release.
Despite the evident differences in the top housings, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which leads to a fascinating interplay between the two. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper, rounder sound profile and a cushioned feel when bottoming out. Since both switches incorporate nylon in the bottom housing, they can produce similar tactile sensations during key presses, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. This similarity in bottom housing design helps maintain a degree of coherence in the switch experience, ensuring that users enjoy a comfortable typing feel, albeit with differing acoustic characteristics due to the top housing disparities.
In summary, the overall sound experience of the Gateron Melodic and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches is a blend of their unique housing materials. The Melodic's polycarbonate top provides a bright and crisp sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom contributes to a deeper resonance during presses. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) combines its Nylon top's softer sound profile with the same nylon properties in the bottom to offer a consistently rounded auditory experience. Thus, while users may favor one switch over the other based on sound aesthetics and tactile response, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that they still experience a similar level of comfort when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Melodic switch features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom-out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium in weight. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly higher bottom-out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Xinhai switch offers a lighter actuation force compared to the Melodic, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Melodic switch may provide a distinct tactile experience since its actuation force is unspecified, leading to uncertainty in its typing feel. Ultimately, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier option between the two, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience with its firmer resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Melodic the longer of the two switches, providing a more pronounced feeling of depth when pressing down on the keys. The Xinhai, on the other hand, offers a shorter travel distance, which could be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feedback experience. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press and a satisfying tactile response, the Melodic’s deeper travel distance may be the better choice. Overall, the difference in travel distance highlights a distinction in user preference, where the Melodic caters to a taste for depth, while the Xinhai leans toward the rapidity favored by performance-focused users.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch is celebrated for its rich auditory experience, characterized by a resonant and crunchy sound profile. When typing, users can expect a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp click that not only alerts them to actuation but also adds an enjoyable auditory layer to the typing experience. The sound quality is further improved by Gateron's advancements in manufacturing, such as factory lubing and dual-railed stems, contributing to a satisfying acoustical performance. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch employs a unique PA12 top housing designed to soften the acoustics, resulting in a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. However, specifics regarding the overall sound profile of the Xinhai (Heavy) haven't been outlined, leaving some uncertainty in its auditory character.
When examining the feel of each switch, the Melodic stands out with descriptors like buttery and invigorating. Users will find the keystrokes to be smooth and fluid, fostering a seamless typing experience, while the pronounced feedback provides a snappy and reactive sensation that keeps the user engaged. This combination of tactile response and actuation force feels both satisfying and immersive during typing. On the other hand, there is no detailed description of the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy), which leaves a gap in understanding how it compares in terms of tactile engagement or resistance during actuation.
In summary, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch presents a compelling blend of sound and feel, offering a resonant and crunchy auditory experience combined with smooth and invigorating keystrokes. While the Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a design aimed at achieving subtle sophistication and precise performance, sound and feel attributes remain largely undefined beyond its unique housing. If you're looking for a clearly defined auditory and tactile experience, the Melodic is a strong contender. However, if the quiet sophistication of the Xinhai (Heavy) intrigues you, further exploration of its feel would be necessary to make a balanced comparison. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard world, and depending on your priorities, you might find one more appealing than the other.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you delight in the tactile and auditory feedback of a clicky switch, the Melodic is an excellent option with its resonant and crunchy sound profile. It provides a smooth and invigorating typing experience that can invigorate your work or gaming sessions, especially if you enjoy an engaging auditory element while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and sophisticated feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch might be the better choice, particularly if you favor a heavier actuation force combined with a softer acoustics profile. The Xinhai excels in providing precision and subtlety, making it perfect for those who favor a clean and quiet typing experience without the distraction of clicks. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the kind of experience you want from your keyboard to guide your decision.
Mentioned in this article
