Bsun Olive vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Olive and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer two distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Bsun Olive, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium weight and pronounced tactile feedback, which provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Its all-POM housings contribute to a deep, resonant sound that many typists find invigorating and enjoyable. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is a linear switch designed for those who appreciate a smoother keypress without the tactile bump. Its PA12 top housing offers a softer acoustic profile, while the POM stem creates a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that appeals to users seeking a more straightforward, uninterrupted keystroke. Both switches have their merits: the Olives are ideal for those who thrive on tactile feedback and auditory responses, while the Xinhai excels in providing a refined and elegant typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Bsun Olive and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches showcase two distinct housing materials: POM and nylon, respectively. The POM (Polyoxymethylene) used in the Bsun Olive's top and bottom housing contributes to a unique auditory experience, characterized by a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. This quality makes POM an appealing choice for those who prefer a sound that is not overly sharp or pronounced, allowing for an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as well, thanks to its softer and more absorptive nature. While both materials promote a deeper sound, the approach each takes brings about subtler differences in the overall auditory experience during use.
When considering the top and bottom housings of both switches, the Bsun Olive's POM top housing retains a unique acoustic quality that blends seamlessly with the POM bottom housing. The result is a harmonious sound experience that emphasizes the muted richness typical of POM. In the case of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), the nylon top and bottom housing design works synergistically to optimize the sound profile, producing a rounder and duller sound. However, the overall experience is similar in that both switches offer deeper sound qualities, albeit through different material characteristics. This distinction allows users to have varied auditory experiences even while both switches aim for a depth in sound.
Ultimately, by analyzing the sound profiles produced by either switch, one may find that both the Bsun Olive and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) yield comparable results in terms of bass and muted characteristics. The presence of POM's and nylon's inherent sound-absorbing qualities means that each switch balances typing feel and auditory feedback effectively. Types of sound produced by both will resonate more deeply, with POM providing a unique, distinct timbre while nylon delivers a classic, fuller representation. Regardless of the material, users can expect to explore a profound sound experience, highlighting the overlap in attributes between these two different switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Olive features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Xinhai switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams while its bottom out force is slightly lower at 62.5 grams. This indicates that the Xinhai switch requires more effort to actuate, making it the heavier option overall. Therefore, users seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Bsun Olive, which will be gentler on the fingers during extended use, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might gravitate towards the HMX Xinhai, which offers a stronger tactile feedback. Despite the similarities in their bottom out forces, they cater to different user preferences based on the balance of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, which means that users can expect a similar tactile feel and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with these switches. Since both switches have identical travel distances, they will deliver comparable results in terms of key actuation and overall typing experience. This uniformity in travel distance allows for consistency across devices, making both switches viable options for users who prioritize a specific key feel in their typing or gaming setups.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
The sound profile of the BSUN Olive switches is characterized by a resonant, deep tone, which contributes to a rich auditory experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. The unique construction of these switches, specifically the all-POM housing, enhances this auditory resonance, providing a sharp and crisp note at the bottom-out. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, featuring a PA12 top housing, leans toward a softer acoustic profile. While it still provides a distinct high-pitched resonance due to its POM stem, the overall sound may be perceived as subtler and more sophisticated. Together, these switches create different auditory landscapes, with the Olive delivering a boisterous sound and the Xinhai offering a refined, higher-frequency pitch.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Olive switches excel with their pronounced tactile feedback. They are designed to deliver an invigorating experience, combining medium to firm actuation force with a sharp, prominent tactile bump. The tactile sensations are accentuated by the longer pole stem, making each keypress sharp and snappy, which can engage users in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy), while it has its unique traits, is less described in tactile terms, leaving a gap in the detailed comparison of its feel. It may provide a smooth action typical of linear switches, but specific descriptors such as tactility intensity and responsiveness are not addressed, leaving its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous.
In summary, while the BSUN Olive and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel, they offer unique experiences that can appeal to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Olive’s deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback present a lively typing environment, while the Xinhai’s softer acoustics and unknown tactile qualities suggest a more nuanced approach to linear switch performance. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will largely depend on whether you prioritize a richer auditory feedback paired with tactile satisfaction or a more subtle and sophisticated typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch should ultimately align with your specific typing preferences and intended use case. If you value a pronounced tactile feedback with sharp, responsive actuation, the Bsun Olive is likely the better choice for you. This switch provides a satisfying auditory experience and a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, making it an invigorating option for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a crisp tactile bump without feeling overwhelmed. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke that emphasizes linearity with a softer acoustics profile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) with its 62.5 grams of actuation force may be more suited to your needs. This switch combines a sophisticated sound with a seamless feel, perfect for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience while still benefiting from precise performance. Ultimately, the best switch for you hinges on whether you seek an engaging tactile sensation or a refined linear experience, so consider trying both to see which resonates more with your typing style.
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