KTT Rose vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Rose and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, with each catering to different preferences in feel and sound. The KTT Rose stands out not only for its aesthetic charm but also for its thoughtfully engineered progressive springs, resulting in a typing experience that feels substantial yet surprisingly light. This switch is often characterized by its low-pitched, neutral sound profile, creating a soothing environment reminiscent of bassy raindrops with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) takes a more robust approach, designed with a unique PA12 top housing that minimizes noise while delivering a crisp, higher-pitched resonance thanks to its POM stem. This switch strikes a balance between sophistication and performance, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a punchier typing experience. Given these contrasts, choosing the KTT Rose might appeal to those who prioritize comfort and sound richness, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) may suit those seeking crisp precision and a more assertive feel. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Rose and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches both showcase unique housing materials that directly influence their sound profiles. The KTT Rose features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This distinctive sound is enhanced when using RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate. Aesthetically, this clear housing not only contributes to the visual appeal of the switch when illuminated but also allows for a resonant sound profile that many gamers and typists prefer. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) relies on nylon for its top housing, which produces a different auditory experience. The softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that gives a duller and rounder auditory effect. Consequently, while both materials achieve acoustic qualities suited for specific preferences, their inherent properties lead to distinctly different listening experiences.
Both the KTT Rose and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share the same nylon material for their bottom housing, which paves the way for a commonality in sound characteristics when typing on these switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing enhances the overall typing experience by providing a deeper, fuller sound due to its soft plastic composition that absorbs sound. This shared bottom housing material means that both switches will exhibit similar audible characteristics when bottoming out, allowing for a more consistent feel and sound profile when pressed down. Part of the attraction of both switches lies in their capability to provide a comfortable typing experience while eliminating excessive noise, which can be beneficial for both casual users and those in shared workspaces.
In essence, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the KTT Rose and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches results in a captivating blend of auditory experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Rose enhances brightness and resonance, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate an elevated sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the nylon top housing of the Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizes warmth and fullness, creating a subdued auditory experience that many users might find comforting. Ultimately, despite their different top housing materials, both switches share a common nylon bottom housing that contributes to a depth of sound. As a result, users can expect similar performance qualities in terms of bottoming out sound, while the distinction lies predominantly in the auditory characteristics introduced by the respective top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces are notable. The actuation force for the Rose is unknown, while the Xinhai (Heavy) requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke, making the Xinhai the lighter option in terms of actuation force. In terms of bottom out forces, the Rose reaches 63.5 grams, which is heavier compared to the Xinhai's 62.5 grams. This suggests that, despite the Xinhai being lighter in actuation, both switches offer a somewhat similar bottom-out experience, with the Rose providing a marginally heavier feel. For typists who appreciate a stronger push for more substantial feedback, the heavier bottom out of the Rose might be appealing, while those preferring lighter action might lean toward the Xinhai. Overall, while the actuation force of the Rose remains unknown, the Xinhai likely offers less fatigue during prolonged use due to its lighter actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Rose features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Rose offers a more traditional and hearty depth, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai (Heavy) could be appealing to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster key presses. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for either a deeper feel with more travel or a more responsive, quicker actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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 $2.99.
The KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Rose switch stands out with its low-pitched, bassy tone reminiscent of raindrops, delivering a mellow and enjoyable auditory experience while typing. The Rose also offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile enough for various environments, from home to work, appealing to users with differing preferences. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch remains unspecified, though it is crafted with a PA12 top housing intended for softer acoustics. Thus, while the Rose provides a rich and defined auditory character, the Xinhai's sound qualities are uncertain, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons.
In terms of feel, the KTT Rose offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristics provide a gentle touch that eases the typing experience, catering well to users who prefer something accessible and not overly pronounced. The polished aspect enhances this sensation by ensuring smooth key travel, minimizing friction. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has not had its feel qualities described but is known for being the heavier variant of the classic Xinhai switch. Therefore, while the Rose offers a cuddly and forgiving touch, the lack of detail regarding the Xinhai (Heavy) makes it difficult to ascertain its tactile response.
In summary, the KTT Rose linear switch presents distinct sound features and an inviting tactile experience with its low-pitched sound and mild feel, ideal for a broad range of users. The sound quality of the Xinhai (Heavy) remains unknown, and while its feel is also unspecified, its reputation as a heavier switch suggests a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, making the choice between them nuanced based on the features highlighted.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-heavy feel with a rich, low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Rose may be the ideal option for you. Its progressive springs provide a unique typing experience that balances substantial feedback without being overly heavy, making it suitable for both casual and focused typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force with a crisp and sophisticated auditory experience, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is worth considering. Its combination of a softer acoustic profile and precise performance could appeal to those who enjoy a sharper sound while typing, particularly in environments where you want your keystrokes to have a more pronounced resonance. Ultimately, weigh your preferences for weight, sound, and feel to choose the switch that will enhance your typing experience the most.
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