Jerrzi Violet vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Violet and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially between the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch. The Violet switch stands out for its gentle tactile feedback, offering a smooth actuation paired with a satisfying pop that enhances the typing experience without being too loud, thanks to its neutral sound signature. This makes it an excellent option for those who appreciate tactile feedback while maintaining a balanced audio profile during prolonged use. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch caters to users who prefer a linear option, characterized by its unique PA12 top housing that provides softer acoustics and a POM stem that produces crisp, higher-pitched sounds. The Xinhai’s bouncy and clacky feel is perfect for users looking for fluid keystrokes with a distinct auditory feedback. Ultimately, each switch has its strengths, appealing to different typing styles and preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The comparison of housing materials between the Jerrzi Violet and the HMX Xinhai reveals notable contrasts in their top housings, which influence the acoustic experience of each switch. The Violet features a polycarbonate top housing, known for generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature allows for a clearer resonance, making it particularly effective in showing off vibrant RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material's properties enable users to enjoy a lively sound signature that complements the visual effects of keyboard illumination. In stark contrast, the Xinhai incorporates a nylon top housing, characterized by a softer composition that produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic output, which creates a more muted sound experience than its polycarbonate counterpart.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Violet and the Xinhai share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience, particularly in the sound profile. The use of nylon on the bottom of both switches lends a certain depth to the sound, enhancing the bottom-out experience as the material absorbs excess noise and vibrations. Consequently, when users type on either switch, they will notice a similar richness and fullness, attributable to this shared nylon characteristic. Thus, while the top housings contribute distinctly different sounds, the nylon bottom housing ensures a unified auditory experience when bottoming out keys.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and matching nylon bottom housings in the Jerrzi Violet and HMX Xinhai create a dual acoustic landscape for users. The polycarbonate top of the Violet sharpens the auditory experience when releasing keys, while the nylon bottom ensures a fuller sound upon keystrokes. Conversely, the Xinhai features a softer nylon top that fosters a subdued sound, complementing the established warmth provided by its nylon bottom. This split in housing materials effectively enriches the overall sound profile, allowing enthusiasts to choose switches based on their preferred auditory characteristics while benefiting from the soothing depth that nylon provides in both models.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, a notable difference can be seen in their actuation forces. The Violet requires a greater actuation force of 45 grams, while the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This discrepancy makes the Xinhai switch preferable for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use, as the lighter force may reduce fatigue. In terms of bottom out forces, the Xinhai switch has a specific bottom out force of 45 grams, which signifies the force needed to press the switch fully down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Violet is unspecified, making it difficult to determine how it compares in this area. Regardless of the unknown bottom out force for the Violet, the Xinhai switch stands out as the lighter option overall, making it suitable for users who favor prolonged typing or gaming without as much resistance. For those who enjoy a stronger push feel and prefer the Violet, it's worth noting that both actuation forces lead to distinctly different typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Violet has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Xinhai's travel distance is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that if you prefer a key feel that provides a bit more depth and resistance, the Jerrzi Violet would be the better choice, offering a more pronounced feedback with each press. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it an ideal option for gamers or those who prefer a more responsive feel. Thus, if rapid key actuation is your priority, the Xinhai is the way to go, while the Violet may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Violet delivers a neutral sound signature, producing a balanced auditory experience that is neither overly loud nor too soft, making it versatile for various environments like home or office. In contrast, the Xinhai switch is characterized by its clacky sound, which generates a sharp, bright, and percussive noise upon actuation. This lively sound can create a more engaging typing experience, but may not be as suitable in quieter settings where discretion is preferred.
In terms of feel, the Violet switch offers a stepped tactile sensation that provides users with distinct stages during the keystroke. This means that while typing, users can expect some pre-travel and post-travel feedback, leading to a more measured and deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch presents a bouncy feel alongside a creamy texture, resulting in a spring-like responsiveness that offers a lively rebound. The creamy nature of the Xinhai enhances the typing experience further, providing a smooth and buttery glide as the fingers travel across the keys.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Violet and HMX Xinhai switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Violet provides a neutral sound and a stepped tactile feel, making it a well-rounded choice for various typing scenarios. In contrast, the Xinhai offers a more distinct auditory experience with its clacky sound, complemented by a bouncy and creamy feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic typing action. Depending on your individual preferences, these switches will give you unique but satisfying results in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a balanced typing experience with gentle tactile feedback, the Violet is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile and stepped feel make it versatile for both work and casual typing sessions, offering a smooth and enjoyable keystroke that won't overwhelm your senses. This switch is particularly well-suited for quieter environments or for those who appreciate a more moderated tactile sensation without the louder disruptions often associated with clacky switches. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more vibrant and responsive experience, the Xinhai switch might be the way to go. With its bouncy and creamy feel, you can expect a lively interaction with each keystroke, making it ideal for gaming or situations where rapid key presses are the norm. Additionally, the striking clacky sound signature adds a layer of auditory feedback that many find satisfying, particularly in an energetic setting. In summary, select the Violet for a pleasant and subdued typing experience, or opt for the Xinhai for a dynamic, responsive feel that keeps up with your gaming or fast-paced typing needs.
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