KTT Purple Click vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Xinhai are two popular options that offer different typing experiences. The Purple Click is a clicky switch best known for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes that provide pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Xinhai is a linear switch crafted with a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Purple Click is characterized by its crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped qualities, the Xinhai is known for being bouncy, clacky, and creamy. If you prefer a tactile and clicky typing experience, the Purple Click may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Xinhai may be more suitable. Let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Xinhai use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it aesthetically pleasing for those looking to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting. However, the key difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The Purple Click uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Xinhai also uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing.
Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both the Purple Click and the Xinhai showcase the impact that housing materials have on the overall sound profile of a switch. The split between the bottom and top housing allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This dual housing design ensures a balance of qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing may produce a fuller sound profile, the Xinhai's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound.
In conclusion, both the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Xinhai offer a blend of different housing materials to create a unique typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in their top housings results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the choice of nylon for the Purple Click's bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout. Overall, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches, catering to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is lighter in both aspects. The Purple Click has a higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams, making it slightly heavier. Additionally, the Purple Click's bottom out force of 55 grams is heavier than the Xinhai's 45 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai would be the more suitable option due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, the Purple Click would provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance for a switch. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Gamers may prefer the Xinhai switch for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during intense gameplay. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Purple Click switch with its longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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.
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 Purple Click switch offers a crunchy and resonant typing experience, characterized by a high-pitched click that is both satisfying and immersive. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive auditory feedback with each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Purple Click leaning towards a more pronounced click sound, while the Xinhai offers a crisper and brighter clack.
In terms of feel, the Purple Click switch is described as invigorating and stepped, providing a tactile and reactive typing sensation with moderate actuation force. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, giving users a spring-like feedback and a smooth buttery typing experience. While the Purple Click focuses on offering a snappy and firm typing feel with pronounced feedback, the Xinhai aims to provide a more elastic and silky sensation with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Purple Click and the Xinhai switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Purple Click provides a high-pitched click and invigorating typing experience, the Xinhai offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on whether you prefer a pronounced click and tactile feedback or a crisp clack and smooth typing sensation, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a high-pitched, satisfying click with a moderate to firm actuation force, the Purple Click would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp and bouncy feel, the Xinhai switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and sound profile of the Purple Click or the smoother, spring-like sensation of the Xinhai. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences for a truly enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
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