Kailh Sage vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Sage and the HMX Xinhai offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Sage is a clicky switch that provides a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai is a linear switch known for its softer acoustics profile and higher-pitched resonance, offering a more subtle and precise typing feel. While the Sage may be preferred by those who enjoy a crunchy and sharp typing experience, the Xinhai appeals to those who prefer a bouncy and creamy 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
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 Kailh Sage and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sage and the Xinhai have different bottom housings, with the Sage featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Xinhai also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While both the Sage and the Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the nylon bottom housings of each switch offer a unique sound experience. The Sage's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing also provides a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite these differences in bottom housing materials, both switches offer a high-quality sound profile that is a result of the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Sage and the HMX Xinhai comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Sage providing a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, and the Xinhai offering a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a more clear and resonant sound or a duller and rounder sound, both switches deliver exceptional typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are significant differences to note. The Sage has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. On the other hand, the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, compared to the Xinhai with a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and want to type for longer periods of time, the Xinhai would be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Sage would be more suitable. Both switches offer different typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Sage has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6mm compared to the Xinhai's 3.4mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The Sage may offer a slightly more substantial feel due to its longer travel distance, while the Xinhai may feel slightly more abrupt when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 $3.19.
The Kailh Sage 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 Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy experience reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy. Both switches deliver distinct acoustics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback characteristic, as well as a creamy and smooth typing experience. These contrasting tactile profiles cater to users who prefer either a more intense feedback or a softer, more fluid typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches excel in providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharp clickiness of the Sage or the smooth, bouncy feel of the Xinhai, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal preferences and typing style. It's important to consider not only the switch itself but also factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup to fully optimize your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a sharp clicky sound, then the Sage switch with its 70-gram bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a softer acoustics profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch with its 45-gram bottom out force could be more suitable. Consider your desired typing feel and sound profile when making your decision between these two excellent mechanical keyboard switches.
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