KTT Purple Click vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between clicky and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Purple Click switch, also referred to as Purple Sauce, boasts a distinctive, high-pitched click that provides not only audible feedback but also pronounced tactility, catering to those who relish a satisfying auditory experience while typing. This balance makes it an attractive option for enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile engagement during fast-paced gaming or intense typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a linear experience characterized by its heavier actuation force, designed with a PA12 top housing that softens the sound profile while maintaining a crisp, responsive feel thanks to its POM stem. This gentle sophistication appeals to those who prefer a smoother keystroke, minimizing noise and distractions for focused productivity or serene gaming. Both switches have their unique appeal: the Purple Click for its invigorating feedback and the Xinhai for its subdued elegance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
The KTT Purple Click and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches employ distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly affect their acoustic profiles. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly appealing for users who appreciate lively auditory feedback, especially in RGB-lit environments. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, which introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. These contrasting materials create distinct sound characteristics that cater to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This uniformity in material means that when typing, users will experience similar sound properties coming from the bottom housing, which significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Nylon’s acoustic attributes, characterized by its ability to soften sounds and provide a robust and full-bodied feel, provide a common baseline for tactile feedback in both switches. Consequently, while the acoustics of the top housings differ, the bottom housings of both switches contribute a shared punchiness to each keypress, effectively balancing the overall sound profile.
In summary, while the KTT Purple Click and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) bring different aesthetics and sound profiles to the table through their top housings, they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity ensures that regardless of the sharpness from the polycarbonate or the depth from the nylon top, the bottom housing retains the signature attributes of solidity and depth typical of nylon materials. Users can anticipate a cohesive experience in terms of physical feedback when bottoming out the switches, whether they gravitate towards the crispness of the Purple Click or the depth of the Xinhai (Heavy).
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite notable. The Purple Click features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that caters to those who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This heftier resistance may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, if one favors lighter switches for comfort, the KTT Purple Click would be the ideal choice, while those who enjoy a firmer push should lean towards the HMX Xinhai (Heavy).
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The longer 4 mm travel of the Purple Click may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, which some users prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch caters to those who seek faster response times, making it particularly appealing for gamers who favor quick key presses. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference: if you value depth and a pronounced click, the KTT Purple Click is the better option, whereas if you prefer a snappier action, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) would be more suitable.
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 (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.
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 comparing the sound of the KTT Purple Click switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Purple Click stands out with its notably high-pitched, satisfying click, delivering a crunchy and resonant auditory experience. This switch creates a clean and sharp sound profile that can be reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, making it enjoyable not only for typing but also for the pleasing acoustic feedback it provides. In contrast, while the specific sound characteristics of the Xinhai (Heavy) have not been detailed, its use of PA12 housing is expected to offer softer acoustics, hinting at a more muted sound profile in comparison to the Purple Click. This difference suggests that while both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, they cater to different preferences: one revels in overt clicks, while the other leans toward subtlety.
In terms of feel, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing experience, characterized by its pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. The stepped design allows for a delightful journey through the keystroke, creating an immersive sensation as the user types, which can boost typing accuracy and comfort. On the other hand, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains unspecified. Therefore, while the Purple Click provides a robust tactile sensation, the user will need to rely on personal exploration to gauge how the Xinhai (Heavy) compares in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click switch is ideal for those who appreciate a clicky auditory experience combined with tactile feedback, allowing for an invigorating and engaging typing session. However, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch presents an unknown yet potentially more subdued experience, appealing to individuals who may prefer a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, as they uniquely address different typists' desires.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for. If you enjoy an energetic typing environment with auditory feedback, the Purple Click is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams and pronounced click sound provide an invigorating feel that can make your typing sessions more engaging and enjoyable. This makes it particularly well-suited for casual typing, gaming, and users who appreciate the classic clicky sound that evokes the tactile sensations of typing on vintage typewriters. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience that prioritizes precision and subtlety, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) would be more appropriate. With a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, it caters to users who seek a more controlled and deliberate keystroke, ideal for tasks that require extended periods of typing, like coding or writing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you desire the vibrant feedback of the Purple Click or the refined, quietly powerful touch of the Xinhai (Heavy)—both switches offer distinct advantages to enhance your typing experience tailored to your personal style.
Mentioned in this article
