KTT Mint vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Mint is praised for its smooth linear feel, providing a satisfying typing experience with a poppy thockiness and light touch. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out with its PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and POM stem for a crisper, higher-pitched resonance. The Mint is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', while the Xinhai is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different users. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and the HMX Xinhai share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, 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 incorporate RGB lighting, emphasizing its aesthetic appeal in both the Mint and Xinhai switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Mint's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Xinhai also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar effect of creating a duller and rounder sound. While both switches benefit from the unique properties of nylon in their bottom housing, they may offer slightly different typing experiences due to other factors in their construction.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Mint and HMX Xinhai plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp, clear sound profile, their use of nylon in the bottom housing differentiates their typing experiences. The Mint's deeper and fuller sound may contrast with the Xinhai's duller and rounder sound, showcasing how housing materials can impact the overall performance of a mechanical switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Mint requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams. However, the Mint also has a higher bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Xinhai bottoms out at 45 grams. This makes the Mint switch slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. When considering weight, it is essential to note that the Mint switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, whereas the Xinhai switch offers a lighter feel which might be preferable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, the Mint offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Xinhai. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Xinhai due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Mint. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy tone that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a bouncy and creamy feel, with a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the KTT Mint and HMX Xinhai linear switches each offer their own set of subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mint provides a low-pitched, neutral sound and a mild, polished feel, the Xinhai offers a clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches can offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers looking to explore mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mint linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a smooth, poppy thockiness with a light and fleeting typing feel, the Mint may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, a softer acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, and a bouncy, creamy typing experience, then the Xinhai switch might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing preferences and the specific experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
