HMX Xinhai vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the HMX Xinhai and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use, making comparisons essential for newcomers. The HMX Xinhai offers a unique typing experience characterized by its bouncy and clacky feel, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem, which together create a softer acoustics profile along with sharp, crisp feedback. This switch caters to those who appreciate a more nuanced sound and tactile performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who adore auditory stimulation during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed for users who prioritize a completely silent experience without sacrificing smoothness. Its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure ensure stability and a soft, elastic touch that absorbs sound, appealing mainly to those in shared environments or who prefer a whisper-quiet typing experience. Both switches present unique advantages for specific preferences, but each offers distinct characteristics that lend themselves to varying priorities in tactile feedback and noise control. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Xinhai and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, it's evident that they utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Xinhai employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, which dampens sound and produces a deeper, more rounded auditory experience while typing. This characteristic derives from nylon's ability to absorb sound waves, leading to a full-bodied sound and a muted feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and therefore produces a sharper, clearer sound when typing. This material choice emphasizes resonance, providing a brighter acoustic profile that contrasts starkly with the deeper tones of the Xinhai. Consequently, users can expect a distinctly different auditory feedback depending on the switch they choose, reflective of the materials used in their respective top housings.
Interestingly, both the HMX Xinhai and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches have nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, regardless of the differing top materials. The nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in the typing experience, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. The softer nature of nylon will absorb impact, allowing for a muted sensation and adding to the overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Thus, while the top housings provide a contrasting experience in sound and resonance, the nylon bottom housing maintains consistency in delivering a soft, rounded auditory experience and tactile feedback for both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in material between the Xinhai's nylon top housing and the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing will create unique auditory experiences, with the Xinhai favoring warmth and depth and the Zero Degree emphasizing clarity and brightness. However, the similarity in the bottom housing material means that despite their differences, both switches can still achieve a comparable depth of sound due to the inherent properties of nylon. Therefore, while users may have preferences based on the acoustic experience they desire, the underlying tactile feedback during key presses will display certain parallels, making both switches appealing depending on the keyboard enthusiast's priorities.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Xinhai linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Xinhai switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it more suitable for longer typing sessions and less physically demanding for users who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Zero Degree 0° switch is unspecified, making it difficult to gauge its complete performance in this regard. The Xinhai switch, with its bottom out force of 45 grams, indicates a more consistent feel throughout the keypress. Overall, the Xinhai is the lighter option, while the Zero Degree 0° is the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences in terms of typing sensation and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Xinhai linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the Xinhai features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Zero Degree 0° has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer. This difference in travel distance may impact user experience significantly; those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, might prefer the shorter Xinhai switch for its more responsive feel. Conversely, the Zero Degree 0° may appeal to users seeking a more substantial pressing sensation, offering a deeper travel that can feel more satisfying for some typists. Thus, while both switches can provide a distinct typing experience, the choice ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding depth versus responsiveness.
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 $2.99.
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 switch stands out with its clacky acoustics, characterized by a sharp and snappy resonance. This results in a crisp and bright auditory feedback upon each keystroke, giving it a notably percussive quality that can enhance the typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch emphasizes a silent typing experience. Its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure work to absorb sound, significantly reducing noise and creating a more subdued environment. Thus, if you're looking for a more pronounced acoustic profile, the Xinhai may be preferable, whereas the Zero Degree is ideal for quieter settings and stealthy typing.
In terms of feel, the Xinhai switch offers a playful and dynamic experience with attributes like bounciness and creaminess. The bouncy feedback provides a delightful spring-like sensation that energizes each key press, while the creamy texture contributes to a smooth and buttery typing experience, making it feel effortless to glide across the keys. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is not specified in this context, making it difficult to compare directly. However, given its purpose in delivering silent typing, one might assume it leans towards a smoother experience without any significant tactile feedback, focusing instead on a soft and elastic touch.
In summary, while the Xinhai switch delivers a more pronounced sound profile and a lively tactile sensation, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch excels in creating a quiet and perhaps more uniform typing experience. Those who appreciate the auditory and tactile feedback of mechanical switches may favor the Xinhai, while those seeking a stealthier option will likely lean toward the Zero Degree. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can find a keyboard experience that suits your personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Xinhai linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a light touch and enjoy the tactile feedback with a hint of acoustic character, the Xinhai switch may be your best bet. Its crisp clackiness, bouncy feel, and creamy smoothness make it ideal for both typing and gaming, where performance and responsiveness are crucial. On the other hand, if noise reduction and a quieter typing experience are your highest priorities, the Zero Degree 0° switch shines with its innovative design that absorbs sound and offers a soft, elastic feel. Its dual-rail structure ensures stability and smoothness, making it perfect for shared environments or late-night typing sessions. In essence, choose the Xinhai for a lively, engaging feel and sound, while the Zero Degree is the go-to for a serene, unobtrusive experience at the keyboard.
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