Gateron Mini i vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of tactile versus linear options, and two compelling choices in this realm are the Gateron Mini i and the HMX Xinhai. The Gateron Mini i, known for its gentle tactility, offers a balanced experience that combines a muted sound profile with satisfying feedback, making it ideal for office environments where quiet operation is paramount, yet still encouraging an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai embodies a more expressive character with its clacky, creamy feel, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem, providing a brighter, crisper acoustics profile that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. While the Mini i caters to users prioritizing discretion and comfort for extended sessions, the Xinhai invites typists who value finesse and a spirited keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and HMX Xinhai both utilize nylon as their housing material, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall typing experience. Both switches leverage the characteristics of nylon to produce a distinctive sound profile that is deeper and fuller compared to those made from harder plastics. This profile is significantly attributed to nylon's softer nature, which helps in sound absorption. Therefore, when considering the sound experience while typing, both switches are likely to provide similar results due to the shared use of nylon in both their top and bottom housings, leading to a subdued and rounded acoustic feedback.
In terms of the construction of each switch, both the Mini i and Xinhai rely on nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which essentially means they will offer similar tactile and auditory sensations when engaged. The impact of a switch on typing dynamics can often be determined by which part of the housing is engaged during a keystroke; since both switches utilize nylon throughout, this compatibility ensures that users will experience akin typing feedback regardless of which switch they are using. Notably, since nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder materials, both switches are likely to minimize high-frequency noise, challenging the piercing sounds that some other switches can produce.
While the housing materials are consistent across both switches, it is essential to note that the design and internal components can also influence the overall feel and responsiveness when typing. Although the sound profile is expected to be similar due to the use of nylon, features such as switch actuation mechanisms and other internal structures may induce variances in user feel and feedback. Therefore, while the nylon housing creates a foundation for a comparable auditory experience, each switch may still present its unique tactile signature based on its overall design, affecting personal preferences among typists.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. The Mini i requires an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Xinhai is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Xinhai the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. Although both switches are designed for comfort, the Mini i offers a slightly firmer feel, which some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches will provide a similar typing experience due to their low forces, appealing to users who favor lighter switches without sacrificing responsiveness.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, indicating that they share the same distance from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. As a result, users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when using either switch, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a shorter travel distance. Given that both switches have identical travel distances, their performance in terms of keystroke depth will be comparable, allowing users to enjoy a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 $2.99.
The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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, the Gateron Mini i switch features a fairly muted sound profile, making it a great option for office environments where distraction is minimized. This softly pronounced sound allows typists to engage in their work without the fear of disrupting their surroundings. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch produces a notably clacky sound, characterized by a sharp, crisp, and bright resonance with each keypress. This difference means that while the Mini i promotes a quieter, more professional atmosphere, the Xinhai boldly announces each keystroke, adding an element of auditory satisfaction that some may find appealing.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a noticeable bouncy characteristic that provides a spring-like feedback sensation, enhancing the typing experience with a sense of liveliness. The Mini i is designed for long sessions of comfortable typing, boasting a gentle resistance that minimizes fatigue, while the Xinhai switch takes things further with a creamy smoothness that delivers a silky, effortless glide during use. Moreover, the Mini i is built with subtle tactile feedback, allowing for a mild experience that's approachable for most users, while the Xinhai switch excels with its buttery texture and elastic response that may feel more luxurious and refined.
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch hinges on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Mini i is well-suited for quieter environments while still providing a pleasant tactile experience, making it ideal for long hours of typing. In contrast, the Xinhai appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a silky, smooth feel. Both switches offer a bouncy response, but their distinctive sound profiles and subtleties in feel cater to different user desires. Ultimately, whether opting for the understated elegance of the Mini i or the lively resonance of the Xinhai, both switches promise comfortable and engaging typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, your personal preferences and intended usage can guide your choice significantly. If you find yourself needing an efficient and comfortable typing experience for long work hours, particularly in quiet environments, the Gateron Mini i is an excellent option due to its gentle tactility, light bottom-out force of 50 grams, and subdued sound profile. This switch provides a bouncy and snappy feel, making it ideal for those who value a responsive typing experience without the disruptive noise. On the other hand, if you seek a more dynamic and engaging keypress with a crisper, clacky sound and a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, the HMX Xinhai is the better choice. It offers a creamy typing sensation coupled with an effervescent acoustics profile, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more expressive keyboard experience. Ultimately, align your switch choice with your typing habits and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard to find the perfect fit.
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