KTT Strawberry vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Strawberry and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer two enticing linear options, each catering to distinct preferences. The KTT Strawberry, celebrated for its eye-catching pink and clear housings, delivers a smooth actuation and a frictionless typing experience, making it a wonderful choice for those who favor a buttery, polished feel under their fingers. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) elevates the linear switch experience with its unique PA12 top housing that enhances acoustics, paired with a POM stem that provides a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, appealing to users seeking a more sophisticated typing sensation. Both switches stand out for their reliable performance and comfort; however, their differing tactile experiences and sound profiles cater to varied typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, understanding these characteristics is vital for making an informed choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
The housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) keyboards illustrate a distinct divergence in both sound profile and tactile experience. The KTT Strawberry features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which is known for its stiffness. This characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making the keyboard feel more responsive and pronounced during use. A significant advantage of polycarbonate is its translucent nature, which enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is integrated. This creates a visually striking effect while also ensuring that the sound produced remains clear and resonant, ideal for users looking for an engaging auditory experience while typing.
In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon's softer properties result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, yielding a more muted, rounder typing experience. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, dampening the overall noise level during use, which may be preferred by users who desire a quieter keyboard. While the nylon housing brings a different tactile feel compared to the polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry, it also enhances the impression of comfort and warmth when typing, appealing to those who prioritize a smooth, cushioned experience.
Ultimately, the dual nature of housing materials in mechanical keyboards shapes their overall performance. With the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate housings sharing consistent qualities—both contributing to a high-pitched resonance—users can expect a uniform sound signature throughout their experience. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai's nylon construction diversifies the output; the softer material's characteristics impact both the bottoming-out sound and the rebound of key presses, giving it a unique tactile feedback. In essence, if choosing between the two, users are not just selecting different materials but rather a distinct auditory and tactile journey tailored to their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Strawberry linear switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we see key differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces remain quite similar. The Strawberry switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches bottom out at roughly the same force, with the Strawberry at 62 grams and the Xinhai at 62.5 grams, indicating that users will experience a comparable resistance when pressing down fully. Thus, if you are looking for a softer and more comfortable typing experience, the lighter KTT Strawberry might be the better choice, while the heavier HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more robust typing experience suitable for those who prefer a firmer actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional switch profile, providing a deeper and more tactile experience. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, which caters to those who favor quicker response times, often a preference among gamers. While both switches offer unique benefits—depth with the Strawberry and rapid activation with the Xinhai—it's clear that the Strawberry provides a longer travel distance that some users may find more satisfying, especially if they appreciate that hearty depth in their keystrokes. For those who prioritize responsiveness, however, the shorter 3.4 mm travel of the Xinhai might be more appealing. Thus, if you're looking for a more traditional, pronounced keystroke, the KTT Strawberry is the way to go, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) suits those who desire speed.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 Strawberry switch presents a low-pitched acoustic profile that contributes to a mellow, bass-heavy typing experience. This keeps the sound more subdued, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is designed for a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem. This suggests that while the Strawberry provides a soft thump with every keystroke, the Xinhai offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, delivering a sophisticated sound that stands out without being overly intrusive.
Regarding feel, the KTT Strawberry switch excels with its frictionless, silky, and buttery characteristics, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The combination of reduced resistance and fluid travel makes each keystroke feel seamless and satisfying. The Xinhai (Heavy), however, lacks specific descriptors in terms of feel. While we cannot make a direct comparison, it’s likely that its design offers a different tactile sensation that may cater to preferences for a more pronounced or tactile actuation, which could appeal to users who appreciate a heavier switch.
In conclusion, both the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Strawberry is a solid choice for users seeking a low-pitched sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, while the Xinhai offers a crisper sound profile that may satisfy those who appreciate finer acoustic details. Depending on your priorities, choosing between these two switches will largely come down to whether you prefer a more muted sound and buttery typing experience or a switch with a brighter tonal quality and potentially distinct feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and specific typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry is an excellent option for you, especially if you enjoy a keystroke that feels buttery and polished. It’s particularly well-suited for both casual typing and gaming, offering a comfortable feel without much resistance. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more refined acoustic profile with a slightly heavier actuation and a crisp resonance, the Xinhai (Heavy) might be your best bet. This switch is geared toward those who appreciate a blend of sophistication in sound while still delivering precise performance, making it ideal for typing that demands a bit more deliberate effort. In essence, choose the Strawberry for an effortless and smooth experience, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) is your go-to for a more pronounced tactile experience with a unique sound profile.
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