Durock Sea Glass vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that both switches have their own unique features and advantages. The Sea Glass stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that offers a dry, wispy typing experience with a distinct airiness. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switch feels weightless and smooth, creating a frictionless typing experience with a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch boasts a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, striking a balance between sophistication and performance. Both switches offer different typing characteristics, with the Sea Glass being described as 'frictionless', 'mild', 'feathery', and 'easy-to-press' while the Xinhai is labeled 'bouncy', 'clacky', and 'creamy'. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique characteristics that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant, slightly brighter sound profile, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass's bottom housing blend maintains a similar pleasant sound profile, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition.
While both the Sea Glass and Xinhai switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall impact on sound and feel is divided between the two components. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a significant impact when pressing down on the switch. In comparison, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique mix of materials to achieve their desired sound profiles, with the Sea Glass aiming for a brighter tone and the Xinhai emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound.
In conclusion, the choice between the Durock Sea Glass and the HMX Xinhai ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a brighter and pleasant sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate and nylon create sharper and fuller tones, respectively. However, both switches demonstrate a thoughtful combination of housing materials to deliver a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer a brighter or sharper sound, both switches provide a high-quality feel and sound that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it becomes clear that the Xinhai is the lighter option between the two. The Sea Glass has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Xinhai has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Xinhai switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai switch. While both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, the Sea Glass offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Xinhai switch with its shorter travel distance, providing a quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, providing a distinct auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. These differences in sound characteristics make it important for users to consider their personal preferences in terms of keyboard sound when choosing between these two switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance and offers a fluid travel. Additionally, it is considered mild and feathery, offering a gentle typing experience with light actuation force. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is said to be bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation along with a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding across the keys with ease. These differences in feel cater to users with varying preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Considering the available information, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Sea Glass switch presents a smoother and more frictionless typing experience with a hollow sound signature, the Xinhai switch provides a clacky and bouncy feel with a creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It is important for newcomers to consider trying out both switches to determine which one aligns best with their personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Sea Glass linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a weightless, frictionless typing experience with a unique hollow sound signature, then the Sea Glass switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom-out force and a switch with a softer acoustics profile, crisp higher-pitched resonance, and a bouncy, creamy feel, then the Xinhai switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique characteristics and it's important to consider how these factors align with your typing preferences before making a decision.
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