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KTT MoonRosa vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to distinct preferences and typing styles. The KTT MoonRosa switch stands out with its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience enriched by a neutral sound signature. Categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press', the MoonRosa is an excellent choice for those who favor a more forgiving and gentle touch, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a heavier feel, crafted with a PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustic profile alongside a POM stem, resulting in a crisp sound with a higher pitch. This switch is designed for users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback and precision in their keystrokes. Both switches cater to unique preferences—whether you're drawn to the effortless fluidity of the MoonRosa or the refined sturdiness of the Xinhai (Heavy), each offers distinct advantages. 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

37g

Actuation force

55g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

62.5g

Pre-travel

1.80 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

POM

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm spring

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The KTT MoonRosa and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches both feature unique housing materials that influence their acoustic profiles, yet they employ different plastics: POM for the MoonRosa and nylon for the Xinhai (Heavy). The POM top housing of the MoonRosa is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Xinhai (Heavy) also delivers a fuller sound, but with a slightly different acoustic quality due to its softer nature. Both materials share a common goal of dampening sound, resulting in a more subdued keyboard experience; however, the method by which they achieve this differs due to the inherent properties of the plastics used, suggesting that while both may produce similar auditory outcomes, the expressions of those sounds will have distinct characteristics.

In terms of bottom housing, the similarities persist between both switches. The MoonRosa again employs POM while the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes nylon, with both materials contributing to a deeper sound profile and muted impacts upon bottoming out. Here, POM's resilient structure and nylon's softer, sound-absorbing properties combine to provide a rounder auditory experience when the keys are pressed. Each bottom housing actively shapes the feel of the switch during use; for the MoonRosa it emphasizes the muted sensation, while the nylon of the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a fuller feedback, enhancing the typing experience. This interplay of materials means that both switches achieve a desirable acoustic quality, albeit through different physical implementations.

Overall, even with their distinct materials, the KTT MoonRosa and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) finds common ground in their pursuit of achieving pleasing sound profiles and tactile experiences. The choice of POM versus nylon may result in variations of sound and tactile feedback, but both switches are designed to offer a deeper, more satisfying experience that appeals to both casual and enthusiast typists. In a direct comparison, while users may notice subtle distinctions in sound when bottoming out or releasing the keys, the essence of sound dampening and the creation of a fuller auditory environment remains consistent across both products, ensuring that both switches foster an enjoyable typing experience for users seeking a softer yet impactful acoustic signature.

Weight

When comparing the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The MoonRosa features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler touch and potentially longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and pronounced feel while typing or gaming. These differences suggest that the MoonRosa is better suited for tasks requiring endurance, while the Xinhai (Heavy) appeals to users seeking a firmer keystroke experience. Overall, the MoonRosa is the lighter option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is distinctly heavier.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the MoonRosa features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that for users seeking a more pronounced keypress feel, the MoonRosa is the preferable choice, providing a deeper sensation during typing or gaming. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its marginally shorter travel distance, may offer a slightly quicker response time, appealing to those who prioritize fast actuation over depth. Ultimately, both switches offer reasonably short distances compared to traditional preferences, catering to different user preferences for responsiveness or key feel.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

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 $2.99.

The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 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 MoonRosa switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This neutral sound signature can be enjoyable for users who prefer something that isn’t overly sharp or jarring. On the other hand, the specifics regarding the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch remain unclear, which means it’s hard to draw direct comparisons. It's important to consider that a switch’s sound also varies according to the keyboard build and keycaps used, so users may experience different sound profiles in practical use regardless of the inherent qualities of the switches themselves.

In terms of feel, the MoonRosa exhibits a mild typing experience that strikes a balance, making it approachable for a wide range of users. The combination of a gentle actuation force and smooth travel means that the typing experience is not only comfortable but also reduces the potential for finger fatigue during prolonged sessions. Meanwhile, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has not been defined in the available information, leaving its characteristics in that area unknown. Since typing feel is crucial for one's comfort and efficiency, this gap means that potential users might need to test or rely on reviews for further insight.

In conclusion, if you are considering the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, you can expect a low-pitched sound and a gentle, comfortable typing experience that’s well-suited for most users. While the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch may offer distinct qualities in sound and feel, the lack of detailed information means it is harder to compare directly. Overall, both switches promise thoughtful design with the MoonRosa leaning towards an accessible sound and feel, while the Xinhai's characteristics remain to be explored.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter switch that offers a smooth, mild typing experience with minimal resistance, the MoonRosa is ideal for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force will reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it particularly suitable for general productivity, casual gaming, and long hours of work. Additionally, the low-pitched sound signature of the MoonRosa may provide a more subtle auditory experience, which some may find appealing in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that requires more force and offers a bit more tactile feedback, the Xinhai (Heavy) with its 62.5-gram bottom-out force and unique sound characteristics could be the better choice. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, whether for gaming or focused work, as it combines the crispness of POM with a sophisticated acoustic profile. In the end, your decision should reflect the balance between comfort and feedback that best suits your typing style.

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