KTT Peach vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Peach and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Peach is renowned for its smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a low-pitched and neutral switch. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai boasts a softer acoustics profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, appealing to individuals who prefer a bouncy and clacky switch. While the Peach offers a syrupy smooth feel, the Xinhai provides a creamy tactile feedback. 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
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Peach and the HMX Xinhai are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, when it comes to their nylon bottom housing, the Peach and the Xinhai differ in sound profile. The Peach's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience with its ability to create a deeper sound profile.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the KTT Peach and the HMX Xinhai share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housings. This results in a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile that is resonant and clear for both switches. The use of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is utilized. However, the variation in their bottom housing materials introduces a contrast in sound profiles between the two switches. The Peach's softer nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing produces a similar deep sound but with a slightly different quality.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, the split between the top and bottom housings becomes evident. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a more tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, enhancing the overall auditory feedback of the switch. Despite these differences, both the KTT Peach and the HMX Xinhai offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Peach requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams. Similarly, the Peach has a higher bottom out force of 53 grams while the Xinhai bottoms out at 45 grams. The Peach provides a medium-light typing experience while the Xinhai offers a lighter touch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai would be the preferred choice, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Peach. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options based on their individual preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Peach switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a good balance between depth and responsiveness, while a 3.0mm travel distance is considered shallow. Gamers may prefer the shorter 3.4mm travel distance of the Xinhai for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Peach switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 $3.19.
The KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 KTT Peach linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, giving off a crisp and bright resonance. Depending on personal preference and setup, users can choose between the mellower sound of the Peach or the more percussive sound of the Xinhai.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Peach linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. This makes it approachable to most users, allowing for comfortable and non-intrusive typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Users who prefer a livelier key response with a silky sensation may opt for the Xinhai switch.
In conclusion, both the KTT Peach and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Peach switch provides a smooth and deep typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Xinhai switch delivers a crisper and brighter sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between the Peach and Xinhai switches will come down to individual taste and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the KTT Peach switch may be the right choice for you. Its mild feel offers a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. On the other hand, if you value a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the HMX Xinhai switch could be more to your liking. With its bouncy and creamy feel, the Xinhai provides a unique typing sensation that is both lively and smooth. Consider your desired typing experience and sound preference when selecting between these two switches to ensure that you find the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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