The Gateron Luciola and HMX Xinhai (heavy) switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, 55 g actuation, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (Ink vs PA12), bottom housing (Ink vs Nylon), spring (22 mm black-plated double-stage vs 22 mm KOS single stage extended), bottom-out force (60 g vs 62.5 g), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3.40 mm). That said, they are only slightly similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Gateron Luciola is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Ink top housing, Ink bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm black-plated double-stage spring. The 55g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 60g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Luminescent housing. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. | The HMX Xinhai (heavy) is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single stage extended spring. The 55g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 62.5g bottom-out occurs at 3.40mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by HC Studio. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Gateron Luciola | HMX Xinhai (heavy) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Ink | PA12 |
| Bottom housing | Ink | Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm black-plated double-stage | 22 mm KOS single stage extended |
| Actuation | 55 g | 55 g |
| Bottom-out | 60 g | 62.5 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.40 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! Applying more lubrication to the leaf spring, with a modified application process. |
| Designer | - | HC Studio |
| Manufacturer | Gateron | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Xinhai (heavy) is much more widely available, but the Gateron Luciola is also available in several stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Gateron Luciola and HMX Xinhai (heavy) switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Gateron Luciola force curve | HMX Xinhai (heavy) force curve |
| No HMX Xinhai (heavy) force curve available. |
Comments on Gateron Luciola switches | Comments on HMX Xinhai (heavy) switches |
The Gateron Luciola switch is a linear switch with a housing made of a luminescent material that glows for a certain period of time even in dark places. This switch uses the same Ink V2 mold and material, but is pre-lubed via automatic equipment, and it sending out light green glow in the night – Coffeekeys. | The HMX Xinhai switch distinguishes itself from other HMX switches in several notable ways. Firstly, its top housing is constructed from a softer material, PA12, as opposed to the more common PA66 or PA2. This design choice results in a less sharp and less pronounced top-out sound. Additionally, the bottom housing is composed of a modified Nylon material, a standard choice among HMX switches. Notably, the housing materials used in the Xinhai are identical to those in the HMX Macchiato; the key distinction between the two switches lies in their stem material. The Macchiato features a POK stem, lending it a pronounced 'thocky' sound in the mid-range, whereas the Xinhai employs a POM stem, producing a crisper, higher-pitched bottom-out sound. Furthermore, Xinhai employs a unique factory lubrication technique. This method involves applying more lubrication to the leaf spring and modifying the application process to ensure a more even lubricant distribution – Unikeys. |
