Durock T1 vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock T1 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock T1 and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The T1 is celebrated for its tactile feedback, presenting a pleasing medium bump during key presses that not only enhances typing comfort but also provides satisfying auditory feedback reminiscent of rain falling against a window. With its low-pitched and polished sound profile, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a sensory typing experience with each keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) embraces a linear design, characterized by its heavier feel and crafted from a unique PA12 top housing. This design choice lends the switch softer acoustics while its POM stem ensures a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that appeals to users looking for rapid and smooth key presses. Each switch offers its own set of benefits—whether it's the tactile journey of the T1 or the fluidity of the Xinhai (Heavy). 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock T1 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), notable distinctions emerge, particularly in the choice of top housing materials. The Durock T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which facilitates clearer vibrations and enhances the overall auditory experience. Notably, this material's translucency not only amplifies sound quality but also plays a crucial role in aesthetic appeal, making it particularly compatible with RGB lighting. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, recognized for its deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a quieter, rounder acoustic output. This fundamental difference in top housing materials significantly influences how users experience sound when typing.
In examining the bottom housings of both switches, a more homogenous approach is observed. Both the Durock T1 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) feature nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a similar auditory experience. The nylon material leads to a muted, deep sound profile as it absorbs vibrations effectively. Therefore, when typing, the tactile feedback and sound produced by the bottom housing are comparable, allowing users to experience that richer, fuller sound characteristic of nylon across both switches. This similarity underscores that regardless of their differing top housings, the bottom housings bind their auditory experiences through a shared material choice.
Ultimately, while the Durock T1 and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) exhibit distinct sound profiles influenced by their respective top housing materials, their similar nylon bottom housings bridge a commonality in the auditory experience. The polycarbonate top of the T1 excels in producing a crisper sound upon key release, while the nylon top of the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a more subdued response, particularly during key presses. This divergence in top housing materials means that users can select a switch that best meets their preferences, yet they can still appreciate an underlying coherence in sound and tactile feel, particularly from the bottom housing. In essence, while the overall experiences may vary, both switches have the potential to deliver satisfying auditory results tailored to individual user needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock T1 tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, some interesting differences emerge. The T1, while having an unknown actuation force, features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 62.5 grams, placing it in the medium range. This means that the Xinhai switch, with its actuation force of 55 grams, is the lighter option, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons without causing significant fatigue. Meanwhile, the T1's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, while the T1's actuation force remains a mystery, those seeking lighter switches should gravitate towards the Xinhai (Heavy) for a more comfortable experience.
Travel distance
The Durock T1 tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that offers a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance signifies that while the Durock T1 may provide a more robust and hearty typing experience, appealing to those who favor a pronounced feedback, the Xinhai switch caters to users who prefer a quicker response, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming environments. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch's shorter travel distance is preferable, whereas the Durock T1 would be better for those who enjoy a more substantial key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 $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
When it comes to sound, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory profile. Its low-pitched sound gives it a mellow, bass-heavy tone that can be reminiscent of rain falling against a window, creating a soothing ambiance while typing. This makes it quite suitable for various environments, whether you're at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, while the specifics of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch's sound profile are not defined, its PA12 top housing is designed to provide softer acoustics, which hints at a more refined sound experience. Given that sound can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap choice, it suggests that both switches can provide a satisfying auditory journey, albeit in slightly different ways.
Regarding feel, the T1 switch is characterized by its stepped and accented tactile feedback, offering a medium bump during actuation. This gentle tactility is designed to be comfortable, providing a noticeable but not overwhelming response, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the polished quality of the switch contributes to a smooth keypress, reducing friction for an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the specifics regarding the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch are not detailed, leaving its tactile characteristics largely unknown. However, given its craftsmanship and reputation, one might expect a well-engineered typing experience, possibly leaning towards smooth and responsive, where the heavy actuation could provide a substantial feel.
In summary, the Durock T1 tactile switch presents an enticing combination of sound and feel characterized by its low-pitched tones and comfortable tactile feedback—ideal for both work and leisure typing. Meanwhile, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch lacks specific details on its sound and feel, the unique materials used may yield a satisfying experience in a different way. For newcomers, exploring both options can yield similar enjoyable experiences, but the distinct characteristics of each will cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Durock T1 tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a tactile feedback during your typing experience and want the comfort of a medium bump that enhances your engagement with each keystroke, the T1 is an excellent choice. It delivers a low-pitched sound profile akin to raindrops, providing a soothing auditory backdrop while you type. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who value both tactile sensation and smooth, polished key travel, making it perfect for extensive typing sessions at work or day-to-day use. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that emphasizes smoothness and a softer acoustic profile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) might be more to your liking. With a slightly lower bottom-out force, it allows for a feather-light touch while still delivering a satisfying, crisp resonance without the tactile bump. This switch is ideal if you enjoy that fluid keypress experience, especially during fast-paced gaming or typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, linear feel—both switches have their unique strengths tailored to different typing styles.
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