Zuoce Lavender vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and the HMX Xinhai both offer exceptional qualities for different preferences. The Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, providing a satisfying typing experience with its crisp and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, offering a softer acoustic profile with a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance. While the Lavender switch is categorized as 'easy-to-press' and 'clacky', the Xinhai switch is described as 'bouncy', 'clacky', and 'creamy'. Ultimately, when choosing between these two switches, it's important to dive deeper beyond generalities to decide on the best switch for your specific typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the HMX Xinhai, it is clear that they offer distinct sound profiles due to their different materials. The Lavender's POM top and bottom housing create a deep and relatively muted sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Similarly, the Lavender's POM bottom housing provides a pleasing sound profile, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller tone. Overall, the Lavender prioritizes a more subdued sound profile, while the Xinhai focuses on a crisper and more resonant sound.
Despite their differences, both switches share the common goal of providing a pleasing and unique sound experience for users. While the Lavender's POM top and bottom housing work together to create a cohesive deep sound, the Xinhai's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a blend of sharpness and fullness. This demonstrates that even with varying housing materials, similar results can be achieved in terms of creating a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches prioritize sound quality, albeit through different means.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is clear that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing, as well as between POM and nylon for the bottom housing, ultimately determines the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switch. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the sound and feel of the switch, users can make an informed decision based on their personal preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter switch between the two. The Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light switch overall. In contrast, the Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is slightly heavier in comparison. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Xinhai make it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience and may benefit from typing for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Lavender switch's slightly heavier forces may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance for both switches is equal, resulting in a consistent feel and experience for the user. The similarity in travel distance between the Lavender and Xinhai switches highlights their comparable attributes in this aspect of performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
The HMX Xinhai comes in at $3.50 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, both the Zuoce Lavender and the HMX Xinhai switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Lavender offers a crisp and bright sound, enhancing the typing experience with its distinctively satisfying keystrokes. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch features a softer acoustics profile due to its unique PA12 top housing and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance from the POM stem, creating a perfect balance of sophistication and performance. Ultimately, both switches will provide a similar clacky sound experience, with slight variations based on individual preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the Lavender switch is characterized as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a responsive and low-impact typing feel, enhancing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback, providing a lively and rebounding feel when pressed. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience similar to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. While the Lavender switch focuses on easy activation and minimal force, the Xinhai switch provides a more dynamic and elastic feel, catering to different typing preferences and styles.
In conclusion, both the Zuoce Lavender and the HMX Xinhai switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature, while the Xinhai switch offers a balance of sophisticated acoustics and precise performance with its bouncy and creamy feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, but rest assured that both switches will provide a premium typing experience with their distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and desire a unique blend of softer acoustics with a higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound, so choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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