HMX Swift vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Swift and HMX Xinhai both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. It is known for being 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is crafted with a PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a distinctive crisp, higher-pitched resonance. It embodies a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. These general pointers showcase the strengths of each switch, but diving deeper into their specific features will help you determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Swift and HMX Xinhai differ significantly in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Swift's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic makeup, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Swift and Xinhai utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. The softness of the nylon material absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a dulled and rounded sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience and sound produced by pressing down on keys may be comparable between the two switches, focusing more on the differences in their top housing materials for distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch has a significant impact on the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. While the HMX Swift and HMX Xinhai share a common nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound, their top housing materials - nylon for the Swift and polycarbonate for the Xinhai - result in distinct sound profiles. The softer nylon top housing of the Swift creates a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Understanding the influence of different housing materials on sound and aesthetics can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Swift requires 50 grams while the Xinhai demands 45 grams. Both switches can be considered lightweight options, with the Xinhai being slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Swift provides a bit more resistance, making it slightly heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Xinhai may be the preferable choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Swift could be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the travel distance of the HMX Xinhai linear switch is 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift switch. The 3.9 mm travel distance of the Swift switch is slightly longer than the more common 4.0 mm traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch with a 3.4 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers for fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for either a deeper keypress experience or a more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
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
The HMX Swift linear switch offers a unique sound experience with its deeper profile and silky smoothness, which creates a distinct typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a softer acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, blending subtle sophistication with precise performance. Both switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, contributing to an engaging typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Swift switch offers an easy-to-press sensation with a feathery touch, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue. It also provides a bouncy feel, giving a spring-like feedback that adds liveliness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a creamy typing experience, ensuring smooth and buttery key presses that glide effortlessly under your fingers. It also provides a bouncy sensation, adding a rebound effect to enhance typing feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Swift and HMX Xinhai switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Swift switch stands out with its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, while the Xinhai switch excels in providing a softer acoustics profile and a crisp resonance. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel (Swift) or a creamy typing experience with a bouncy sensation (Xinhai), both switches deliver distinct qualities that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the HMX Swift and HMX Xinhai switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Swift linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a deeper sound profile with a silky smooth feel and a slightly higher actuation force, the Swift switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a softer acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance and a lower actuation force, the Xinhai switch could be the ideal option. Consider your typing experience, sound preference, and desired key feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different tastes in the mechanical keyboard community.
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