Kailh Plum vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Plum and HMX Xinhai are two options that stand out. The Plum is a tactile switch that offers a unique blend of weightiness without a prominent tactile bump, resulting in a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. On the other hand, the Xinhai is a linear switch known for its soft acoustics profile and crisp, higher-pitched resonance, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem. While the Plum is categorized as neutral, mild, stepped, the Xinhai falls under bouncy, clacky, creamy. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Plum and HMX Xinhai switches are quite similar, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate top housing. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.
However, where the two switches differ is in how these housing materials are distributed. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing of the switches will primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the impact of the polycarbonate top housing will be more significant in the sound produced when a key is released. This distribution of housing materials may result in slightly different typing experiences between the two switches, with the Plum potentially offering a more pronounced release sound compared to the Xinhai.
Overall, both the Kailh Plum and HMX Xinhai switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their use of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches may be subtle, but could potentially be noticeable to more discerning users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the specific sound and feel that each user is looking for in their mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Plum has no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Xinhai, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Plum. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Plum switch has a slightly longer distance compared to the Xinhai switch. The Plum switch's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a longer press, while the Xinhai switch's 3.4 mm travel distance provides a slightly quicker response time for users who prioritize speed. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more common and preferred by gamers for their faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 $2.99.
The Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for a variety of uses. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and percussive audio feedback. Both switches will produce different sound profiles depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Plum tactile switch provides a mild and stepped typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel with a unique weightiness that sets it apart from other tactile switches. In contrast, the Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Users seeking a more tactile typing experience may lean towards the Plum switch, while those looking for a lively and luxurious feel may prefer the Xinhai switch.
Overall, both the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Plum switch provides a neutral sound profile and a hefty yet mild tactile feel, the Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience with the desired level of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for the weight of the switch and the type of sound and feel you desire. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique tactile feel without a pronounced bump, the Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch with a softer acoustics profile and crisp, clacky sound, the Xinhai could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize weight, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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