Cherry MX Black vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch that is best known for its low-pitched and textured feel, along with a stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai is also a linear switch, but stands out with its bouncy and clacky characteristics, providing a creamy typing experience. While the Cherry MX Black offers a classic smoothness and deep sound profile, the Xinhai features a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Both switches have their own strengths, making them appealing options for different types of 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
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Xinhai, it's clear that they have some distinct differences. The MX Black utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
However, despite the differences in housing materials, both the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Xinhai share similarities in their bottom housing. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, creating a similar dull and round sound profile. This shows that while the top housing may have a more significant impact on the overall sound profile, the bottom housing also plays a crucial role in shaping the feel and sound of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of different housing materials also plays a role. The Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing allows for a clear housing, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This adds a visual element to the switch that may not be present in the MX Black with its nylon top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Xinhai hinges not only on the sound and feel of the switch but also on the desired aesthetic and lighting effects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there is a significant difference in weight. The Cherry MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Xinhai switch, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the MX Black switch. Both switches offer unique benefits based on personal preferences, with the MX Black providing a heavier typing experience and the Xinhai offering a lighter touch for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai the shorter option compared to the MX Black. The MX Black's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper press when typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai's 3.4mm travel distance is more shallow, preferred by gamers for its faster response times. Both switches have their own advantages and disadvantages, with the MX Black offering a more traditional typing experience and the Xinhai providing a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and response speed.
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 $3.19.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched and deep sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. Depending on your preference for sound, the MX Black provides a deep and mellow experience, while the Xinhai offers a more lively and sharp auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is noted for its textured and stiff characteristics, providing noticeable friction when pressed and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. If you prefer a smoother and bouncier feel, the Xinhai switch might be more suitable for you, whereas the MX Black switch offers a textured and stiff typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black and HMX Xinhai switches offer distinct characteristics when it comes to sound and feel. While the MX Black provides a deep and mellow sound with a textured and stiff feel, the Xinhai delivers a sharp and lively sound with a bouncy and creamy sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as keyboard layout, keycaps, and typing style. If you prefer one quality over the other, you can expect similar results from both switches in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavier switch with a deep sound profile and textured feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a higher-pitched resonance, softer acoustics, and a bouncy, creamy feel, the HMX Xinhai linear switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Consider your typing style, preferred sound, and desired feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best mechanical keyboard experience for you.
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