Cherry MX Black vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Cherry MX Black switch is renowned for its reliable performance and robust feel, characterized by a low-pitched sound profile and a textured surface that enhances tactile feedback while typing. Thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, these switches have achieved a new level of smoothness that many users appreciate, making them ideal for those who prefer a stiffer switch with consistent resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a unique approach to linear switches with its heavier actuation force. Featuring a distinctive PA12 top housing that contributes to softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai is perfect for users who seek a balance between subtle sophistication and precise performance. While both switches offer distinct benefits, such as the MX Black's durability and smoothness versus the Xinhai's acoustic charm and refined feel, the best choice ultimately depends on personal preference. 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
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
The Cherry MX Black and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches both feature nylon housings for their top and bottom components, leading to comparable performance characteristics in terms of sound and feel. Nylon is recognized as a classic material for keyboard switches, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition. This quality enables the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a characteristically duller and rounder sound when typing. As a result, both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, which can appeal to both gaming enthusiasts and typists seeking a quieter yet responsive switch.
Despite the similarities in housing material between the Cherry MX Black and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches, there are nuances in their design that may impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing typically has a more pronounced influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes more significantly to the sound produced when releasing a key. Given that both switches use nylon for both housing components, users can expect similar auditory and tactile feedback with each keystroke. The integration of nylon throughout the switch design ensures that both models will yield a rich acoustic profile, although specific feel and acoustic characteristics may still vary depending on other design elements such as spring tension and stem configuration.
In conclusion, the use of nylon in both the Cherry MX Black and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches creates a foundational resemblance in terms of performance and sound quality. However, subtle differences in their construction and mechanical design might lead to variations in key feel and responsiveness during extensive typing or gaming sessions. Nevertheless, consumers choosing between these two switches can rest assured that they will achieve a similar acoustic performance due to the shared material properties, while personal preference and additional switch characteristics will play significant roles in the final decision-making process.
Weight
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, which provides a more substantial feel, making it suitable for users who prefer a stronger push while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, offering a more responsive typing experience that can reduce fatigue during extended use. This makes the Xinhai a better option for those who type for longer periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. While the Cherry MX Black is the heavier switch overall, the HMX Xinhai offers a more comfortable experience for users who favor lighter switches. Thus, users will find that if they prefer less resistance for long sessions, the HMX Xinhai is more suitable, whereas those valuing a firmer touch may opt for the Cherry MX Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cherry MX Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, considered to be more traditional, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Black switch provides a deeper keystroke, which many users might appreciate for its tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai switch allows for quicker actuation, appealing particularly to gamers who favor rapid response times. If you lean towards a more responsive feel, the HMX Xinhai would be the better choice. Conversely, if you value depth and a more substantial key press, the Cherry MX Black would suit your preferences better.
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 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 characterized by its low-pitched, bass-heavy tone, providing a deep and mellow auditory experience while typing. This sound profile is often favored by users who appreciate a more subdued acoustic environment. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch features softer acoustics due to its unique PA12 top housing, which gives it a higher-pitched resonance that is distinctively crisp. While the sound quality of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material, the MX Black tends to offer a more pronounced bass experience, whereas the Xinhai provides a sophisticated blend of crispness and subtlety.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black stands out with its textured and stiff characteristics. Users will notice a tactile friction when pressing the keys, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a slight resistance, as well as a firmer actuation requiring more force to fully engage each key. This makes the MX Black ideal for users who prefer a robust typing experience. Unfortunately, details regarding the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch are unspecified, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, if it retains the typical qualities of linear switches, it may offer a smoother typing experience without the noticeable friction found in the MX Blacks.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Black and the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches have unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The MX Black provides a low-pitched, deep sound with a textured and firm actuation experience, making it an attractive option for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a softer acoustic profile along with unspecified feel qualities that may appeal to those seeking a different tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will hinge on personal preferences regarding sound and typing sensation, but either switch can deliver satisfying results depending on the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches should hinge on your typing style and preferences. If you find comfort in a heavier feel and appreciate the deep, low-pitched sound profile characteristic of the MX Black, along with its textured grip and stiff actuation, then this switch would be an excellent fit for more deliberate typing as well as gaming scenarios where precision is critical. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lower actuation force with a crisper sound profile and a blend of sophistication and performance, the Xinhai (Heavy) might be the better option for you. Its softer acoustics and overall lighter feel can enhance a more dynamic typing experience or casual gaming sessions, accommodating a wider range of keystrokes without as much fatigue. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences for force, sound, and tactile feedback as essential factors in your decision-making process.
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