Huano Sakura vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Sakura and HMX Xinhai stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Huano Sakura is renowned for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who type for extended periods and appreciate a smooth keystroke without excessive noise. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a unique blend of performance and auditory experience, featuring a PA12 top housing that delivers a softer acoustic profile alongside a POM stem that produces a higher-pitched resonance and adds a sense of sophistication to each keystroke. While both switches cater to a preference for linear feel, the Sakura is designed for comfort during long typing sessions, whereas the Xinhai brings a more nuanced audio experience alongside its smooth performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the HMX Xinhai switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone), which is recognized for its remarkably low coefficient of friction of 0.04, contributing to an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This material’s durability significantly outshines that of traditional plastics, with wear resistance 14 times greater than that of POM and shock resistance that exceeds Nylon's by 2.3 times. The properties of POK thus emphasize a balance of smoothness, durability, and a distinctive clackiness that enhances the tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the Xinhai features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material properties. The use of nylon in the Xinhai creates a sound that is rounder and more muted, which differs markedly from the sharper, brighter tones achieved with the Sakura’s POK material.
Despite differences in top housing materials, both the Sakura and Xinhai utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in similarities in sound profile and feel during typing. The nylon bottom in both switches contributes significantly to the acoustic qualities, providing a richer, deeper sound due to its sound-absorbing characteristics. This essential characteristic of nylon enables switches to create a smoother bottom-out feel and further enhances the overall sound stage of each keystroke. The effect of the nylon bottom housing becomes particularly pronounced during key presses, giving users similar auditory and tactile feelings when the switches are engaged, regardless of the differing top materials.
In summary, while the Huano Sakura and HMX Xinhai switches differ in their top housing materials—POK prioritizing smoothness and durability, and nylon emphasizing warmth and depth—their shared nylon bottom housings create a common ground in terms of auditory experience. This combination leads to an interesting juxtaposition in overall switch performance; the Sakura offers a unique sharpness and resilience due to its POK top, while the Xinhai provides warmth and fullness from its nylon top. Ultimately, the interplay between the different materials allows users to appreciate distinct qualities in their typing experience while still benefiting from the rich sound profile that both bottom housings provide.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, both exhibit similar bottom out forces of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience the same level of resistance when pressing the switch fully down. However, the actuation forces differ slightly, with the Sakura at 35 grams and the Xinhai at 37 grams. This means that the Sakura switch requires a lighter force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer a light touch and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai's actuation force is slightly heavier, offering a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a stronger push. Overall, while both switches are classified as light in terms of their force requirements, the Sakura provides a marginally lighter experience, thereby catering to users seeking a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Sakura provides a more pronounced key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel while typing or gaming, as it offers more tactile feedback. In contrast, the Xinhai's 3.4 mm travel distance aligns more with the preference for faster response times that many gamers seek, making it potentially more appealing for those who prioritize quick key acts. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Xinhai is the shorter option, while the Sakura offers a longer, more traditional experience that some users may find more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 characteristics, the Huano Sakura switch offers a medium acoustic profile, making it suitable for long typing sessions without being overly harsh or loud. This balanced sound signature allows users to type in relative comfort while still being aware of their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch features a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This characteristic can add a more engaging auditory feedback to the typing experience, though it may be more pronounced in certain setups depending on your keyboard's construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, allowing for quick and effortless key presses that can be particularly advantageous during extended use. This makes the Sakura optimal for users who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch provides a notably bouncy feedback, giving an elastic sensation that promotes a lively typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a creamy feel thanks to its construction, which often involves the use of specific materials or factory-applied lubricant. This results in a smooth, silky experience that feels like gliding across keys, adding a luxurious touch to each stroke.
Ultimately, both the Huano Sakura and HMX Xinhai linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Sakura is ideal for those who prefer a more muted acoustic landscape with lightweight key presses, the Xinhai stands out with its notable clackiness and plush, bouncy feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you value a softer typing sound or a more dynamic key feel. Each switch has its own strengths, but both can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, your decision primarily hinges on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a feather-light touch along with medium acoustics, the Sakura switch is your best bet, especially for long typing sessions, as it offers a gentle response without being too noisy. This makes it a fantastic choice for both professional and casual users who prioritize a quieter experience. On the other hand, if you seek a more responsive and lively typing experience, the Xinhai switch stands out with its bouncy feedback and clacky sound profile. The unique materials used in its construction provide a creamy, silky smoothness that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile and auditory stimulation in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer a quieter, more subdued response with the Sakura, or an engaging, crisp experience with the Xinhai.
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