TTC Brother vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Brother stands out for its lightweight and breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that will please clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Xinhai boasts a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem. While the Brother offers a tactile experience with a satisfying feedback, the Xinhai provides a smooth and creamy keystroke. Choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a clicky and easy-to-press switch like the Brother or a bouncy and clacky switch with a creamy feel like the Xinhai. 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
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Xinhai are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its relatively stiffer nature, polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, the clear housing of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
On the other hand, both the TTC Brother and the HMX Xinhai utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder sound. This difference in housing materials between the top and bottom components of the switches allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the release sound of a key press.
Overall, while both the Brother and Xinhai switches share similar qualities in their housing materials, the different composition of the top and bottom housings allows for varied sound profiles and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing enhances the depth and fullness of the typing experience. This combination of materials creates a well-balanced and unique typing feel for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 37 grams. However, the bottom out force differs between the two. The Brother switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Xinhai switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. The actuation force of 37 grams on both switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the initial force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly lighter typing feel on the Brother switch compared to the Xinhai switch. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Brother switch more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Xinhai switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience and user preference when selecting a switch for a keyboard.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals looking for fast response times, particularly gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly shallower press, the Xinhai may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth to your keystrokes, the Brother clicky switch would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, whether you choose the Brother or the Xinhai, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch produces a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy quality, giving it a crisp, bright, and percussive resonance. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual sound preferences and setup factors like keyboard and keycap choices.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by an easy-to-press nature with a light actuation force of just 37g, providing a gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, its stepped tactile bump offers a subtle yet noticeable feedback that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Furthermore, its creamy typing experience offers a smooth and buttery feel that allows fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. These differences in feel showcase the diverse tactile experiences that each switch can offer.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to varied preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Brother is acclaimed for its crunchy sound and easy-to-press, stepped feel, the Xinhai stands out with its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you appreciate a light actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its easy-to-press nature and stepped feel offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, a distinctively crisp and bright sound profile, and a bouncy or creamy feel, the Xinhai switch could be the perfect fit for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feel when typing.
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