HMX Xinhai Review: Never Going Back Again

HMX has undeniably set a new benchmark in switch pricing and user experience within the keyboard community. Their distinctive use of fiberglass, coupled with consistent factory lube application and affordable pricing has garnered significant attention. Having previously reviewed the Sunset Gleams (Duck Ducks), I’ve grown accustomed to HMX’s lineup and have continued to used them in my builds. In my mind, I felt that nothing could outdo the Gleams. Yet, my perspective swiftly shifted upon acquiring the HMX Xinhais, a switch coloured like a Wetherspoons plate. 

The Xinhais stand out as a departure from other HMX switches while still retaining their hallmark smooth feeling. Each switch in my batch had consistency in press, and also within their lube application – neither too much nor too little. It is important to note though, that while my batch faced no issues with its lubricant, there had been reports from other users of factory lube pooling up in the center well as well as spring ping. Unlike other HMX switches, their distinctive composition brings us down another path. From what has been released so far, HMX seems eager to experiment with different material compositions, resulting in some unique switches. With the Xinhai, they continue this trend by using a PA12 material for their top housing. This choice results in a notably softer, less pronounced top-out sound.

The Xinhais feature a familiar modified nylon bottom housing typical of HMX switches, though, akin to the Macchiato. What sets them apart is their use of a POM stem instead of POK, distinguishing their bottom-out sound. The result is a crisp, higher-pitched tone that I personally find quite appealing. Interestingly, compared to the Sunset Gleams, I’ve noticed that the Xinhais offer a more mellowed-out bottom-out sound, which has grown on me over time. It exudes a sense of maturity, like a fine wine aging gracefully — a more refined bottom-out experience compared to the high-pitched and aggressive, yet thrilling, bottom-out of its counterparts.

Upon initially using the Xinhais, I found typing on them to be quite challenging. Their very light actuation of only 37 grams led to numerous inconsistencies and mistypes. While I appreciated the higher bottom-out force of 45 grams, it still felt too light for my liking. In addition to its short total-travel distance of 3.44 mm, I constantly found myself bottoming out without much effort. However, despite this, I noticed that I “typed” quicker and even managed to beat my personal best on Monkey Type with 25 words. So, does this really matter? Unfortunately, I still mistype constantly due to how easy it is to accidentally press a switch. With due time, though, I have adjusted; while it still feels very light, it’s become much more manageable. Luckily, HMX has released a 55g actuation variation (62 gram bottom out), which may be worth investing in. Otherwise, I would highly advise spring swapping the original Xinhais if you find them too light for use. 

But somehow, even with how light these switches are, I can’t seem to shift my gaze away from the overall experience that the Xinhais have given me. I do admit that the switches are really light, and pairing that with a short travel distance, by theory, is a recipe for disaster. But even with that into consideration, HMX still has created a switch whose positives heavily outweigh the time it may take to adjust to the spring weight. From its smoothness, to the sound, and even its feeling — I think of all the other switches I own, (which admittedly is not that many) and I reject the idea of going back to using anything else. Just like Fleetwood Mac, “I’m never going back again”… ?

You can buy the switches here.