Cherry MX Brown vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between tactile and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cherry MX Brown switches are celebrated for their subtlety, offering a light typing feel complemented by gentle tactile feedback and subdued audio cues. This makes them an excellent option for typists who appreciate a responsive feel without overwhelming noise, ideal for both office environments and quiet home setups. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a different appeal, boasting a robust design that features a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This unique combination positions the Xinhai as a solid choice for gamers and heavy typists who seek precision and a bit more auditory feedback. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Cherry MX Brown for a balanced typing experience or prefer the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) for its refined auditory profile and heft, both switches have their merits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-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 Brown switches and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches, it is evident that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared choice of material not only reflects an industry preference for durability and sound characteristics but also leads to similar acoustic outcomes. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile upon keystrokes. As such, users of both switches can expect a satisfying typing experience characterized by a rounded and less harsh auditory feedback, a quality celebrated by enthusiasts who prioritize sound in their typing experiences.
The nylon used in both switches serves a dual purpose and plays a critical role in creating an enjoyable tactile feel. Since both the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) shares identical housing materials, the tactile feedback during keypresses will be influenced jointly by the characteristics of the top and bottom housings. With the MX Brown switches, the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out feel, which is essential for users who appreciate a defined keystroke experience. Similarly, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) maintains this trait, indicating that the bottom housing, despite being solely responsible for a substantial portion of the typing feedback, will evoke similarly responsive and satisfying sensations when typing.
While the materials themselves are the same, it is also crucial to recognize how these nylon housings interact with the unique switch designs of each brand. The design and construction of the internal components, such as the spring and actuation mechanism, can yield variations in typing feel and sound. However, since both switches still rely on nylon's acoustic properties, users can anticipate a comparable auditory experience. Therefore, even if subtle differences in feel exist due to unique internal engineering, the overarching qualities derived from the nylon housing materials foster a familiar sonic profile that typists across both switches will appreciate.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that reflect their intended user experiences. The Cherry MX Brown features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for those who appreciate a softer touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a firmer feel that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke. This heavier switch is likely to be favored by typists who enjoy a more tactile feedback and may be less concerned about typing fatigue. Overall, while both switches serve different user preferences, the MX Brown is definitely the lighter option, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there's a notable difference to consider. The MX Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. As traditional travel distances hover around 4 mm, the MX Brown offers a more substantial feel for those who prefer deeper key presses. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) provides a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance, catering to users who favor rapid key registration, such as gamers. Ultimately, the MX Brown's longer travel distance results in a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Xinhai's shorter distance may feel too abrupt for some, highlighting the subjective nature of switch preferences.
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 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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the differences are quite noticeable. The MX Brown switches are known for their rich, bassy sound profile, providing a low-pitched audio feedback that lends a deeper resonance during key presses. This quality can create a satisfying auditory experience that caters to users who enjoy a more mellow typing sound. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Xinhai (Heavy) is yet to be specified, but it's essential to recognize that sound perception can also be influenced by various external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used. Hence, users might still find an enjoyable auditory response with the Xinhai, though specific characteristics are currently unknown.
In terms of feel, the MX Brown offers a textured typing experience characterized by its tactile feedback. The subtle friction during key presses can be satisfying to some typists who prefer a more pronounced sensation when activating a key. This tactile quality differs significantly from linear switches, which typically lack such feedback. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy), with no detailed description provided regarding its feel, may present a more straightforward linear experience, free from the textured sensation of the MX Brown. Without additional information on the Xinhai's tactile properties, one cannot make definitive comparisons in this area.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The MX Brown's bassy, low-pitched sound and textured feel are well-established traits, appealing to users who appreciate tactile feedback and a richer auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) may offer a distinct linear experience, though its exact auditory and tactile qualities remain unknown without further details. Given the differences in sound profiles and feel, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on the individual preferences of the typist.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a subtle, medium-light typing experience with a tactile bump and a low-pitched, bassy sound, the MX Brown is the way to go. These switches are ideal for typing tasks where you want feedback without overly pronounced audio or resistance. They can be particularly appealing if you're engaged in activities like coding or writing, where you benefit from tactile indicators without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced pressing action with a heavier bottom out force, and you enjoy the crisp, higher-pitched resonance of linear switches, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) may be better suited for you. This switch excels in performance, making it a suitable choice for gaming and fast-paced typing, where you seek smooth travel and consistency. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and softer acoustics with the MX Brown or the refined smoothness and heavier actuation of the Xinhai (Heavy).
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