TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct typing experiences. The Bluish White's tactile switches provide a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a buttery and subtle keypress. On the other hand, the Xinhai linear switches feature a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem for a softer acoustics profile and a higher-pitched resonance, ideal for those who prefer a bouncy and clacky typing sensation. While the Bluish White focuses on a polished and low-pitched feel, the Xinhai embodies a blend of sophistication and precise performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
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
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches where a clear housing is desired, especially if RGB lighting is utilized. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the overall sound quality of the switches, providing a more resonant and clear output when typing or gaming.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Bluish White and the Xinhai offers a different typing experience compared to the top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, giving users a more tactile and satisfying typing experience when pressing down on the keys.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches allows for a unique typing experience that combines the characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. This split between the two housing materials creates a well-rounded and dynamic typing experience, offering users a balance between crispness and depth in sound profile.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile 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 bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams compared to the Xinhai's 45 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter side of the force spectrum, making them ideal for users who prefer a light typing experience. Those who enjoy typing for extended periods may find the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of these switches comfortable. Overall, while the Bluish White is slightly heavier in terms of force, both switches offer a similar typing sensation due to their relatively light actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for quicker response times. The Bluish White offers slightly more depth with its 3.5 mm travel distance compared to the Xinhai's 3.4 mm, but the difference is minimal. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, allowing users to enjoy fast and efficient typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 $3.19.
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 TTC Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched profile with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch gives off a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a gentle resistance. The switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation in a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is known for being bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Typing on the Xinhai switch gives a silky sensation, like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a buttery, polished feel, while the Xinhai switch gives off a clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone or a sharp and snappy noise, along with a smooth or elastic feedback sensation, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a snappy and poppy tactile feedback with a light bottom out force, then the Bluish White switch is the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and creamier typing feel with a lower bottom out force, the Xinhai switch might be more to your liking. Consider the sound profile, with the Bluish White offering a low-pitched tone and the Xinhai providing a clacky, sharp sound. Whether you opt for the buttery and mild feel of the Bluish White or the bouncy and creamy sensation of the Xinhai, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy the satisfying experience it brings to your mechanical keyboard setup.
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