KTT Wine Red vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Wine Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves deliberating between options that cater to different typing preferences and acoustic profiles. The KTT Wine Red switches are celebrated for their pillowy light feel and a satisfyingly deep, bassy sound, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a softer keystroke that doesn’t sacrifice auditory satisfaction. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches offer a heavier typing experience, featuring a PA12 top housing that promotes softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination delivers a unique blend of sophistication and precision, appealing to users who value a more responsive and defined feedback in their typing. Both switches have their distinctive characteristics, appealing to different 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
44g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Wine Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches, the differences in their housing materials become particularly prominent. The Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer material contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making the Wine Red an excellent choice for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback during typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, providing a visually striking aesthetic that is particularly appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy vibrant keyboard illumination.
In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, as a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound waves, leading to a duller, rounder auditory experience. This characteristic is ideal for users who prefer a more muted typing sound, which can be less jarring in collaborative environments. Consequently, the differences in materiality significantly affect the overall sound and feel of the switches; with the KTT Wine Red offering a more cutting-edge auditory response, while the HMX Xinhai delivers a warmer, softer typing experience.
At the same time, the combination of different materials in the respective housings highlights the importance of top and bottom housing in determining sound resonance and user experience. In the case of the KTT Wine Red, the polycarbonate's stiff nature amplifies the sound during both the key press and release, leading to a consistent auditory feedback. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai leverages the nylon's qualities to create a unique sound profile that prioritizes comfort and feel when bottoming out, while providing a different release sound when the key is released. Thus, while the KTT Wine Red and HMX Xinhai differ in their housing materials and resulting sound profiles, they both offer distinct and tailored user experiences based on the design and material choices.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Wine Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation behavior become evident. The Wine Red switch features a light actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a great choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended sessions, whether at work or during gaming. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Consequently, the KTT Wine Red is the lighter option, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier one. This difference suggests that users seeking a softer keystroke and less fatigue during prolonged use might favor the Wine Red, whereas those who appreciate a stronger push-back during typing might opt for the Xinhai. Overall, these contrasting actuation forces provide distinct experiences, catering to different preferences in keyboard feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Wine Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. With the Wine Red's traditional travel distance, it provides a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, potentially appealing to users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch's shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm caters to those who favor quicker response times, a characteristic often sought after by gamers. This divergence in travel distances highlights a preference for either a more pronounced typing experience or a faster engagement, illustrating how the choice between these two switches can significantly influence the user's overall experience.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 Wine Red linear switch delivers a deep and resonant audio experience. Its bassy and low-pitched characteristics result in a rich and satisfying sound profile that is both mellow and immersive, making it a joy to type on for long periods. In contrast, while the specifics of the sound profile for the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch are not detailed, it is crafted with a unique housing that is intended to provide softer acoustics. This suggests that, while the Xinhai may not reach the depth of the Wine Red, it should offer a distinctly crisp and higher-pitched resonance, lending it a different auditory experience that favors subtle sophistication.
In terms of feel, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light typing experience that many find enjoyable for both gaming and typing tasks. This tactile sensation likely contributes to prolonged comfort during use. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch also aims to deliver a quality typing feel through its design, yet specific attributes regarding the tactile feedback are not provided. As such, the exact nature of the feel offered by the Xinhai remains unknown, but its heavier variant suggests a potentially more substantial response compared to lighter switches.
Overall, if you are drawn to a deeper auditory experience, the KTT Wine Red is a compelling choice with its warm and rich sound profile, paired with a comfortable typing feel. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a softer acoustic environment and a distinctively crisp resonance, though its tactile feedback might present an unknown variable. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you'll find that both options cater to different aspects of the typing experience, with the potential for varied satisfaction based on individual taste.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the KTT Wine Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches should be guided by your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter, more pillowy typing experience that comes with a deeper, richer sound, the Wine Red switches are likely the better fit for you. They are ideal for long typing sessions, providing a comfortable and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a firmer key press that enhances precision and crispness, coupled with a slightly higher pitch and more sophisticated acoustic characteristics, the Xinhai (Heavy) switches may be better suited to your needs. Their medium weight requires a bit more force, making them excellent for users who appreciate tactile feedback and control. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a cushioned, bassy typing experience with the Wine Reds or a crisper, more meticulous feel with the Xinhais.
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