SP-Star Duck vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider, including the type of typing experience you prefer. The SP-Star Duck offers a tactile typing experience that is subtle and gentle, with a clean and crispy sound profile. It is categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, polished. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai provides a linear typing experience with a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem that give it a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. It is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Duck and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. While both switches share this top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housings.
In contrast to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing, the HMX Xinhai features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The choice of bottom housing material between the two switches ultimately impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard.
Overall, while the SP-Star Duck and the HMX Xinhai share the same polycarbonate top housing material, their differences in bottom housing material lead to varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Duck creates a crisper sound, while the softer nylon of the Xinhai produces a deeper sound. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall sound and feel of a switch is essential in selecting the right keyboard for individual preferences.
Weight
The SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Duck has no specified actuation force but a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch compared to the Duck. The actuation force is essential for triggering a keystroke, while the bottom out force is about pressing all the way down. Some may prefer the lighter Xinhai for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force of the Duck for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Duck has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers or those seeking a quicker response time. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, with the Duck providing a more traditional feel and the Xinhai catering to those who prefer a shorter key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a more neutral and moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for its clacky and sharp sound, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, including the board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience with a buttery and polished finish, offering a smooth and refined keystroke sensation. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant and comfortable typing experience, but the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more gentle or lively feel while typing.
Overall, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Duck switch provides a clean and crispy sound profile with a mild and buttery typing feel, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a clacky and sharp sound with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, catering to those who prefer a more lively and springy response. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between the two would depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a more subtle tactile feel with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance with a softer acoustics profile, the Xinhai switch could be more suitable. Keep in mind that the Duck offers a mild and buttery typing experience, while the Xinhai provides a bouncy and creamy sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and overall typing feel.
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