Jerrzi Violet vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Violet and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Violet and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Jerrzi Violet switch is celebrated for its gentle tactile feedback, providing a smooth actuation and an inviting "pop" that enhances the joy of typing, all while maintaining a balanced neutral sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate tactile cues without distractions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, known for its robust design, features a PA12 top housing that delivers softer acoustics paired with a POM stem, resulting in a higher-pitched, crisp resonance. This switch is ideal for those who favor linear switch characteristics, offering a more straightforward and fluid typing experience with less resistance. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, whether you lean towards the tactile engagement of the Violet or the smoothness of the Xinhai (Heavy). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When examining the housing materials of the Jerrzi Violet and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a notable contrast is found in their top housings. The Violet utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This heightened clarity is especially beneficial for users interested in RGB lighting, as polycarbonate’s translucency enhances the diffusion of light. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon for its top housing, which is a softer material known for absorbing sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While each material brings distinct acoustical characteristics to the housing, the contrasting hardness levels create differing auditory experiences when typing: one sharp and resonant with the Violet and the other rich and muted with the Xinhai (Heavy).
Interestingly, both the Jerrzi Violet and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share a commonality in their bottom housing material, with both switches made of nylon. This creates a harmonization effect, as the bottom housings contribute similarly to the overall sound profile of both switches. The nylon used in the bottom housing of both models helps to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder tonal quality during key presses. However, since the top housing is significantly different in material composition, the overall acoustics of the switches diverge based on their top housing. The Violet’s polycarbonate top housing provides clarity during release, while the Xinhai's nylon top holds onto a more subdued tonal profile throughout the entire keystroke.
In summary, the mixed use of housing materials shows how varied elements can blend in switches to create unique typist experiences. The Jerrzi Violet's polycarbonate top housing enhances the brightness and clarity of sound, especially beneficial for RGB enthusiasts, while its nylon bottom provides richness or fullness to the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) maintains a deeper and fuller sound profile throughout both key press and release phases due to its nylon top and bottom. Despite their differing top housing materials, both switches can yield similar rich sound profiles due to their uniform bottom housing, illustrating the intricate balance between material choice and acoustic performance in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Violet switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous key press. In contrast, the Xinhai switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, presenting a stronger push feel that some typists may favor for a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Violet switch is unknown, the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating that it requires more effort to fully press down the key compared to the Violet. Overall, those seeking a lighter and less fatiguing typing experience would gravitate towards the Jerrzi Violet, while users who appreciate a firmer, more resistant touch should consider the HMX Xinhai (Heavy).
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch differ, with the Violet measuring 3.7 mm and the Xinhai at 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai the shorter option, while the Violet offers a more pronounced travel distance. For gamers or users who favor rapid response times, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai might be more appealing as it allows quicker key presses. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial depth when typing, the Jerrzi Violet could be the preferred choice, offering a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches hinges on personal preference for travel distance, whether one seeks the responsiveness of a shorter travel or the satisfying depth of a longer one.
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 (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.
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
The sound profile of the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is characterized by its neutral signature, which offers a moderate sound during typing. This makes it well-suited for a variety of environments—whether you are a new user or a seasoned typist, it effectively accommodates different use cases such as casual gaming, office work, or general typing without being overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is crafted to produce a distinctively crisp sound due to its POM stem, resulting in a higher-pitched resonance that might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, the overall sound of both switches can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard casing and keycaps, which may further modify their acoustic signatures.
When it comes to feel, the Violet switches offer a gentle tactile response with their stepped design. Users can expect a pleasant bump at the point of actuation, which provides feedback without overwhelming tactile force, making it ideal for long typing sessions. This stepped feel allows typists to discern different stages of the keystroke, contributing to a more deliberate typing experience. The Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, on the other hand, does not have specific descriptors outlined regarding its feel, but linear switches are generally known for their smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes. Thus, while the Violet offers a tactile experience that engages users at each stage of the keypress, the Xinhai (Heavy) may provide an equally satisfying but different sensation due to its smooth and linear nature.
In summary, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch brings a balanced sound profile and a gentle, stepped tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an engaging yet unobtrusive typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offers a crisp sound and smooth keystrokes, appealing to those who favor a more fluid typing motion. While both switches cater to different preferences—one leaning towards tactility and the other towards smoothness—they can both provide satisfying results depending on your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the contexts in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you are someone who appreciates a gentle tactile feedback, the Violet's smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility will surely enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for both casual and professional settings where you need a balanced sound profile and a comfortable feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers more resistance and a unique auditory experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) is your go-to choice. Its heavier actuation force and crisp, high-pitched resonance can provide a satisfying and precise typing experience, particularly if you're into fast-paced gaming or need to execute commands with confidence. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you prioritize tactile feel and sound characteristics in your daily typing activities or gaming sessions.
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