Cherry MX Brown vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Xinhai. The Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a unique blend of soft acoustics and crisp, higher-pitched resonance, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem. While the MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched', the Xinhai is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Xinhai, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Cherry MX Brown or the HMX Xinhai.
On the other hand, when looking at the top housing materials, the Cherry MX Brown features a nylon top housing while the HMX Xinhai uses polycarbonate. The nylon top housing on the MX Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, much like its bottom housing. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing on the Xinhai creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Xinhai will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a consistent typing experience, the difference in top housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound from nylon or a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate, there is a housing material option to suit your typing needs in either the Cherry MX Brown or the HMX Xinhai.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. Similarly, the MX Brown also has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Xinhai has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the MX Brown requires more force to trigger a keystroke and press all the way down compared to the Xinhai switch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the MX Brown may be the better choice due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Xinhai switch would be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the MX Brown's 4 mm. The MX Brown falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, while the Xinhai offers a shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the Xinhai for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the MX Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a bassy and low-pitched audio profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch has a clacky sound, delivering a sharp and snappy tone that is crisp, bright, and percussive. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, as the MX Brown focuses on a more subtle and subdued sound while the Xinhai offers a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its textured feel, with noticeable friction during key presses. Some users appreciate this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Again, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference, with the MX Brown offering a more textured feel and the Xinhai delivering a bouncier and creamier typing sensation.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Xinhai switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The MX Brown tends to offer a more subdued typing experience with gentle tactility and a bassy sound profile, while the Xinhai provides a crisper, higher-pitched resonance and a bouncy, creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a more subtle and textured typing experience, the MX Brown may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a crisper sound and a bouncy, creamy feel, the HMX Xinhai switch could be the ideal choice for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a subtle tactility with a medium-light bottom out force and a more subdued sound profile, the MX Brown might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter bottom out force, a crisper sound profile, and a bouncy or creamy feel, the Xinhai could be the optimal switch for your needs. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing style and sound feedback.
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