KTT Pine vs. HMX Xinhai

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Pine and the HMX Xinhai, both of which are linear switches. The KTT Pine is renowned for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth key travel, and effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction, the Pine switch offers a soothing typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai stands out for its unique construction, featuring a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Pine switch is described as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched', the Xinhai switch falls under the categories of 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Both switches have their unique strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Pine Linear

HMX Xinhai Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the KTT Pine and the HMX Xinhai feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches where RGB lighting is a key feature. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Pine also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing the sharp sound profile throughout the entire press of a key. In contrast, the Xinhai utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound.

The difference in bottom housing materials between the KTT Pine and the HMX Xinhai results in a noticeable contrast in sound profiles during typing. The nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai creates a more subdued and rounded sound upon bottoming out a key, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine maintains a sharper and crisper sound throughout the typing experience. This variation in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a consistent sharp and resonant sound when letting go of a key.

Overall, the KTT Pine and the HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate top housings to achieve a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharp sound profile throughout typing, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This distinction highlights how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter of the two switches. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Xinhai features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to press down on the keys. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches highlights the varying preferences of users when it comes to typing experiences. While some may prefer the lighter touch of the Xinhai for prolonged typing sessions, others may opt for the Pine's heavier resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Pine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Xinhai's 3.4 mm. The Pine's 4.0mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, offering a deeper keystroke, which may be preferred by those looking for more depth when typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance may be ideal for gamers or individuals seeking a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile with low-pitched tones, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive in nature, leading to a distinct and lively sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, although the choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and compatibility with the user's keyboard and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. Similarly, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a creamy typing experience with bouncy feedback that gives a spring-like sensation, adding a liveliness to each key press. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, ensuring that users can type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue or discomfort.

Overall, both the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Pine switch delivers a deep and rich sound with a buttery typing feel, the Xinhai switch introduces a clacky sound with a creamy and bouncy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If a user prefers one quality over the other, they can be confident that they will get similar results with either switch, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, then the Pine switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics with a POM stem for crisp, higher-pitched resonance, along with a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, then the Xinhai switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more