HMX Xinhai vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the HMX Xinhai and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are excited to showcase the HMX Xinhai and the SP-Star Yanyu, two exceptional linear mechanical keyboard switches. The Xinhai switch is crafted with a unique PA12 top housing and a POM stem, resulting in a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Categorized as bouncy, clacky, and creamy, the Xinhai offers a perfect blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is known for providing a more delicate typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions. With a material blend that produces a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. Both switches have their unique features and benefits, offering users different qualities to consider based on their preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The HMX Xinhai and SP-Star Yanyu both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In comparison, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound. While both provide distinct sound profiles, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing an added aesthetic appeal.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Xinhai utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer nature. On the other hand, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing also offers a unique sound profile that is pleasant and brighter. Despite their differences, both bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience by absorbing sound and creating a duller or more rounded sound. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key.
Overall, while the housing materials of the HMX Xinhai and SP-Star Yanyu differ in composition and sound profiles, they both bring unique qualities to the switches. The Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing experience, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a more pleasant and brighter sound. Both switches demonstrate how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a typing experience, catering to a variety of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Xinhai linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai is the lighter of the two. The Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown and bottom out force is 43 grams. Both switches can be considered light in terms of actuation force, as they require relatively low force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Xinhai requires slightly more force to bottom out compared to the Yanyu. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, either switch would be suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter travel distance compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Xinhai's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Yanyu's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, with the Xinhai providing a quicker and snappier response, while the Yanyu offers a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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 $3.19.
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 Xinhai linear switch offers a distinctive clacky profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Yanyu linear switch provides a more neutral option with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the Yanyu switch also offers a thocky sound profile, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a clacky and sharp sound or a more neutral and deep sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Xinhai linear switch is known for its bouncy and creamy typing experience. The keys have a lively feel with a spring-like feedback sensation, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch provides a mild and feathery typing experience, offering a gentle typing feel with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the Yanyu switch also offers a subtle and polished feel, with a gentle resistance and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a bouncy and creamy typing experience or a mild and feathery typing feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Xinhai and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Xinhai switch provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a sharp and bright sound profile, while the Yanyu switch offers a more neutral and mild typing experience with a deep and satisfying sound profile. Ultimately, whether you choose the Xinhai or Yanyu switch will depend on your preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience. If sound and feel are significant factors for you, the Xinhai and Yanyu switches will provide you with similar results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Xinhai linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it's important to consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, a more delicate typing experience, and a sound profile described as thocky or neutral, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bottom out force of 45 grams, a crisp and clacky sound profile, and a typing feel described as bouncy or creamy, then the HMX Xinhai linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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