Cherry MX Red vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves debating between the well-established Cherry MX Red and the newer contender, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Cherry MX Red is a cherished classic, renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, which delivers a robust typing experience that balances responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. Users who enjoy a "thocky," low-pitched, and textured feedback often gravitate towards Cherry MX Reds for their consistency in both gaming and typing environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a unique twist with its PA12 top housing that creates a softer acoustic profile and a POM stem that produces a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch appeals to those seeking a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, making it an attractive option for users who appreciate nuanced sound and tactile feedback in their keystrokes. Both switches have their merits, catering to different preferences in feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
The Cherry MX Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both utilize nylon as their housing material, providing a strong basis for comparison. When analyzing the materials, it's clear that both switches benefit from the characteristics of nylon, which is known for its ability to dampen sound and create a richer audio experience during use. The similarity in housing material contributes to a consistent typing sound profile between these two switches, as both the MX Red and the Xinhai (Heavy) produce a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon's softer consistency. This shared material choice underlines the impact of housing construction on the overall acoustic signature of the switches.
In addition to their top housings, both the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) feature nylon in their bottom housing as well. The nylon bottom housing plays an important role in shaping the sensation and sound produced when the keys bottom out. Since both switches employ the same nylon material in this component, users can expect a consistent bottom-out experience characterized by a muted thud rather than a sharp clack, which is often associated with harder plastics. This design attribute contributes to a more pleasant typing experience, making both switches appealing options for those who prefer quieter keyboards.
Ultimately, while the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) may be positioned in different market segments, they exhibit strong parallels in their housing material characteristics. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings allows for similar auditory and tactile experiences, making them suitable alternatives depending on user preference. Whether someone opts for the MX Red or the Xinhai (Heavy), they can expect similar acoustic results and typing sensations stemming from the nylon construction, creating a harmonious balance in sound and feel that typists desire.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, which is ideal for users seeking comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a higher actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the MX Red does not have a defined bottom out force, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully pressed down. Therefore, users who enjoy a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Red, while those desiring a stronger tactile response would be better suited with the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). Overall, these force differences highlight a significant contrast in user experience depending on the preferences for switch weight and keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the MX Red offers a more pronounced depth when pressing down on a key, which some users appreciate for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai's shorter distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster key presses. Ultimately, if one prefers a more substantial feel and deeper actuation, the Cherry MX Red is the ideal choice; conversely, if responsiveness and speed are paramount, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) would be the better option. Thus, the MX Red is the longer travel switch, while the Xinhai is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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.
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 Red switch is renowned for its thocky and low-pitched auditory profile. This switch produces a deep, rich sound reminiscent of a soft thud or knock, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find enjoyable. The robust sound contributes to a more immersive typing experience, enhancing the perception of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is designed to offer a softer acoustics profile. Although specific sound descriptors are not provided for the Xinhai, its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem are crafted to create a higher-pitched resonance, resulting in a cleaner and crisper sound. This difference suggests that while both switches may suit different acoustic preferences, their distinct sound characteristics allow users to choose based on their desired auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is characterized by a textured sensation, providing noticeable friction during key presses. This texture might appeal to users who enjoy a tactile element in their typing experiences, adding a layer of feedback to each stroke. Unfortunately, the feel qualities of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch are not specified, so one cannot draw comparisons in this area. However, users seeking a smoother typing experience would benefit from experimenting with different switches to find their ideal tactile feel, whether that be textured or not.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, the MX Red is recognized for its deep, thocky sound and textured feel. In contrast, the sound profile of the Xinhai is geared toward a softer, higher-pitched resonance, though its tactile feel remains unspecified. Users may find choosing between these switches ultimately boils down to personal preference regarding auditory and experiential qualities, and testing them can lead to a distinct and satisfying typing experience tailored to individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Red linear switches and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that combines responsiveness with a deeper sound profile, and you enjoy a slightly heftier feel during typing, the Cherry MX Red would be a great choice. Its thocky, low-pitched sound can offer a satisfying auditory experience, making it particularly appealing for those who often type or game in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you appreciate a heavier key resistance and the unique acoustics present in the Xinhai (Heavy), you might lean towards this option. The Xinhai is designed with a focus on subtle sophistication and precision, featuring a distinctively crisp resonance that many find pleasurable. Given its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Xinhai (Heavy) allows for more tactile feedback, which appeals to users who prefer a more deliberate typing sensation. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you value the lighter touch of the MX Red or the robust resistance and audio character of the Xinhai (Heavy) in your typing experience.
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