Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Moyu Black is celebrated for its sharp, hypertactile feel, delivering a pronounced tactile bump that not only enhances the typing experience but also produces a satisfyingly punchy sound with each keystroke. This switch’s unique construction, featuring a PBT housing, contributes to a premium feel and makes it an excellent choice for those who thrive on feedback during typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a more subdued yet highly refined performance, with its PA12 top housing and POM stem providing a crisp, clacky sound profile. This linear switch is ideal for users seeking a smoother, uninterrupted key press that allows for rapid typing and gaming without the distraction of tactile bumps. While both switches excel in their own right, they cater to different typing styles and preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a notable distinction lies in the choice of plastics utilized in their construction. The Moyu Black features PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a neutral sound profile, neither overly crisp nor dull. PBT is often preferred in switch housings for its resilience and durability. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai incorporates nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is legendary in switch construction for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is rounder and more muted.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches share similar underlying characteristics when it comes to their acoustic performance. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade), with its PBT, offers a sound that is balanced and neutral, making it versatile across various typing experiences. The nylon switches of the HMX Xinhai, while delivering a deeper sound, can still achieve a level of restraint in sound projection that mirrors the effect of the PBT material. Therefore, users who prefer tactile and acoustical richness may find that both switches can yield similar satisfying results, albeit through different auditory pathways.
Additionally, the impact of each switch's housing on the overall typing experience should not be overlooked. While both switches will provide unique auditory feedback, the Moyu Black's PBT bottom housing will create a more pronounced yet neutral bottom-out sound, while the HMX Xinhai’s nylon bottom will produce a softer, fuller sensation upon bottoming out. Furthermore, the top housing materials influence the release sound, where the Moyu Black’s PBT offers a crisp phenomenon and the HMX Xinhai allows for a deeper resonance. Both switches thus provide distinct tactile experiences that can appeal to different preferences despite their material differences, showcasing how diverse plastic choices can impact sound profiles and typing dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, we can see some notable differences in their weight characteristics. The Moyu Black is the lighter option at the actuation stage, requiring less force to register a keystroke, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming where quick responsiveness is desired. In contrast, the Xinhai offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push for their typing experience. However, the bottom out forces tell a different story; the Moyu Black's bottom out force is higher, indicating that it requires more effort to press the switch all the way down compared to the Xinhai. This means that while the Moyu Black is easier to actuate, it demands more force at the bottom, whereas the Xinhai is generally lighter on the bottoming out. Consequently, both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Moyu Black being preferable for those seeking a lighter actuation and the Xinhai appealing to those who enjoy a balanced and less labor-intensive bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Moyu Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai offers a shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you choose the Moyu Black, you’ll experience a deeper press, which some users may find provides a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance can lead to faster response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize quick actuation over overall depth. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may hinge on your preference for a more traditional, hearty feel versus a more responsive, quicker action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
In terms of sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer a resonant auditory profile characterized by a higher-pitched sound that's both clean and sharp. The resulting auditory experience is immersive and engaging, reflecting the sniper-like precision in each keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches produce a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, delivering a snappy auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. While both switches create distinct sounds, the Moyu Blacks lean towards a more refined resonance, whereas the Xinhai's sound combines a more pronounced crispness. Ultimately, the sound quality can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
As for the feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are notable for their accentuated tactile feedback. They present a prominent sharp tactile bump with each actuation, making them feel both impactful and responsive. The tactile sensation is enhanced by a medium-heavy actuation force, which provides a satisfying resistance that many enthusiasts appreciate. The Xinhai (Heavy) switches, however, do not have a specific tactile description available but are characterized by their heavier actuation force. This weight likely contributes to a solid and deliberate typing feel, although the absence of detailed tactile feedback information suggests they may offer a different experience than the Moyu Blacks.
In conclusion, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches present two distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts, each with unique auditory and tactile qualities. The Moyu Blacks provide a sharper, resonant sound along with a pronounced tactile feel, while the Xinhai switches deliver a crisper auditory profile and a potentially heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, and since both contribute to an enjoyable typing experience, users can expect satisfying results from either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a pronounced tactile feedback with a notably sharp and resonant sound profile, the Moyu Blacks will likely be your ideal choice, especially if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation that provides an impactful and engaging typing experience. The unique tactile bump of the Moyu Black makes it perfect for those who appreciate a dynamic response with each keystroke, allowing you to feel the key presses distinctly while offering a pleasing auditory facet to your typing. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a softer acoustic profile and a bit less actuation force, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch would be the better fit. Its clacky sound and precise performance create a subtly sophisticated environment for both casual typing and gaming without overwhelming you with excessive tactility. Overall, understanding these differences can guide you in selecting the switch that best aligns with your style and typing habits.
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