KTT Peach vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present intriguing options for typists and gamers alike, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The KTT Peach is celebrated for its syrupy smooth typing experience, delivering a low-pitched, thocky sound profile that many users find satisfying. Its characteristics make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a plush, comfortable feel during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a heavier touch and is designed with a PA12 top housing, which provides a softer acoustic profile, complemented by a POM stem that produces a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a touch of sophistication in their typing and seek precision in their keystrokes. Both switches have their unique appeal, and choosing between them ultimately hinges on individual typing preferences and sound aesthetics; 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
53g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), we find a distinct contrast in their top housings. The KTT Peach utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and durability, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for those who seek a clear and resonant auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is equipped with a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, leading to a notably duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the Peach. The significant difference in material between these two switches is crucial, as it influences the sound dynamics during use.
Interestingly, the bottom housing of both switches contrasts and aligns with each other, as both the KTT Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) feature nylon bottom housings. Given that nylon is a classic housing material, it provides a consistent, deeper sound profile for both switches. The properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, ensure that sound is absorbed rather than projected, creating a more subdued auditory feedback when typing. Thus, while the top housings of the two switches impart distinctly different sound characteristics, the shared nylon material in the bottom housings promotes a similar sound experience when pressing down the keys. This consistency in the bottom housing helps unite the overall auditory experience.
Ultimately, while the KTT Peach and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) differ significantly in their top housing materials—contributing to contrasting sound profiles—their shared nylon bottom housings create a more cohesive auditory experience when typing. The differing impacts of the top and bottom housings emphasize their individual roles in overall sound production. As such, while the KTT Peach brings a high-pitched clarity to the initial key press through its polycarbonate top, the deeper resonance provided by nylon in both bottom housings ensures that the final auditory experience still retains a level of fullness. This balance of materials illustrates how the combination of different housing materials can result in a rich and well-rounded typing experience, despite their disparate sound profiles.
Weight
The KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The KTT Peach features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer key feel, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial push that some users may find satisfying for a solid typing experience. Thus, the Peach can be classified as the lighter switch, while the Xinhai is the heavier option, appealing to those who appreciate a more tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on user preference for weight and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Peach showcases a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference suggests that the Peach switch may provide a more substantial keypress experience, appealing to those who favor a deeper feel for added tactile feedback. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai switch may cater more effectively to gamers seeking rapid response times and quicker actuation, allowing for faster keystrokes. Thus, while both switches have their unique benefits, the Peach can be seen as the choice for those who appreciate depth, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is tailored for those who prioritize responsiveness.
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 $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 characteristics, the KTT Peach switch delivers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that many users find satisfying. This deep sound adds an appealing auditory quality to the typing experience, making each keystroke feel significant without being disruptive. This switch also maintains a more neutral sound that can cater to a wide range of contexts, whether at home or in an office environment, making it versatile for different preferences. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has a unique PA12 top housing designed for a softer acoustic profile, characterized by crisp, higher-pitched resonance from its POM stem. While the Xinhai's sound is distinctively sharper, the detailed specifications do not fully clarify how it compares to the Peach in terms of overall volume or presence.
In terms of feel, the KTT Peach switch provides a mild typing experience that emphasizes gentleness and approachability. This makes it suitable for a broad audience, allowing both novice typists and seasoned enthusiasts to enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed. The smoothness of the actuation contributes to an effortless flow in typing. On the other hand, the information regarding the feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains unspecified; thus, we can infer that users may experience a different tactile quality, potentially leaning towards a more robust response given its designation as a "heavy" switch. However, without detailed descriptors, it’s difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding the tactile feedback or actuation force.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Peach and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches exhibit unique qualities that cater to distinct preferences, the Peach stands out with its deep sound profile and mild yet smooth feel. The Xinhai offers a softer acoustic experience with its high-pitched resonance, but its tactile feedback remains unclear. For users seeking a more pronounced auditory experience along with a smooth typing sensation, the Peach may be preferable. However, the Xinhai's distinct sound might appeal to those who enjoy a sharper acoustic quality. Ultimately, both switches offer the potential for enjoyable typing experiences, and selecting between them will largely depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch primarily hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of environment you'll be using your keyboard in. If you're looking for a switch that offers a smooth and comfortable typing experience without feeling too heavy, the KTT Peach is an excellent choice. With its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams and a low-pitched, deep sound profile, it is well-suited for long typing sessions, especially for those who enjoy a softer touch and a more subdued acoustic environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel while typing and appreciate the refined acoustics that accompany a heavier switch, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) might be the better option for you. With a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams and its unique blend of crisp resonance and sophisticated sound design, it is ideal for those who value both tactile feedback and a pronounced auditory experience, particularly in lively settings. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual style, whether you lean towards a softer, more muted approach or prefer a punchier, more precise keystroke response.
Mentioned in this article
