Jerrzi Poseidon vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Poseidon and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Poseidon and HMX Xinhai both offer unique features and benefits. The Poseidon is a linear switch with a reputation for its smooth keypresses, making it ideal for typists and gamers who prefer a consistent feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai is also a linear switch but stands out with its unique construction, including a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched sound profile. This makes the Xinhai perfect for those who enjoy a bouncy, clacky, or creamy typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Poseidon and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct sound profiles due to their different properties. The Poseidon's POM top housing provides a deep and relatively muted sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Poseidon contributes to its unique sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai creates a deeper and fuller sound.
Despite their differences, both the Poseidon and Xinhai benefit from the unique characteristics of their respective housing materials. The POM and polycarbonate top housings each play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches, with POM offering a more subdued tone and polycarbonate delivering a sharper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Poseidon. Overall, these housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch each have a distinct impact on the sound and feel experienced while typing. The qualities of the bottom housing are more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. This means that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can significantly influence the overall typing experience, offering a unique blend of sound profiles and tactile responses based on the materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some notable differences. The Poseidon has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams, making it a bit heavier. However, the bottom out force of the Xinhai at 45 grams is heavier than the Poseidon, for which the value is unknown. The Poseidon offers a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, while the Xinhai provides a heavier push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference. Those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Poseidon, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Xinhai. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This makes the typing experience with both switches consistent in terms of the distance traveled by the key. Despite being equal in travel distance, the switches may differ in other aspects such as actuation force or overall feel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch is known for its silence, making it a great option for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This distinctive sound profile adds a level of crispness and brightness to each key press, enhancing the overall typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Poseidon switch's tactile feedback is not specified. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a combination of bouncy and creamy sensations. The bouncy feedback provides a spring-like feel, giving the keys a lively response with a noticeable rebound upon pressing. Additionally, the creamy aspect of the Xinhai switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, enhancing the overall comfort and ease of each keystroke. This combination of sensations creates a unique and enjoyable typing feel that sets the Xinhai switch apart.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Poseidon switch is known for its quiet operation and has an unspecified tactile feel, the Xinhai switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and the combination of bouncy and creamy feedback. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Additionally, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of durability and performance, making them reliable options for different keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a unique blend of materials for a softer acoustics profile and a higher-pitched resonance, the HMX Xinhai may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and prioritize a particular sound and feel, the Jerrzi Poseidon might be more suitable. Remember to consider your typing style, desired key feel, and noise preference when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on your individual preferences and needs.
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