TTC Flame Red vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flame Red and HMX Xinhai are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance the aesthetics of their backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on Flame Red switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, giving a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch boasts a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This blend of sophistication and performance results in a bouncy, clacky, and creamy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and the HMX Xinhai both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Flame Red uses nylon for the top housing, while the Xinhai utilizes polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as it is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The choice of housing material not only affects the sound produced but also impacts the overall typing experience for users.
Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the Flame Red providing a softer sound due to its nylon top and bottom housing combination. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing results in a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. While the bottom housing typically impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for housing materials can greatly influence the overall typing experience and sound quality of a switch.
In terms of construction, the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Xinhai demonstrate how different housing materials can lead to distinct sound profiles. The use of nylon for the Flame Red's top and bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Whether aiming for a duller, rounder sound or a clearer, more resonant sound profile, users can select a switch based on their preferences for sound and typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials of a switch play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch reveals some distinct differences. The Flame Red has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai would be the ideal choice, as it requires less force to activate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Flame Red provides a slightly more substantial typing feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with some favoring a lighter touch for extended typing sessions and others opting for a heavier push for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Flame Red offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Xinhai, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers or individuals looking for a quicker response time. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Flame Red being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. This switch provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it versatile for various environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. The Xinhai switch offers a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that adds an element of flair to your typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Flame Red linear switch is described as mild and polished. The mild feel of the Flame Red switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy. The bouncy feel of the Xinhai switch provides a spring-like feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The creamy typing experience of the Xinhai switch offers a smooth and buttery feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, adding a unique flair to your typing experience. Whether you prefer a more neutral and polished typing experience or a clacky and creamy feel, both switches offer their own set of qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a visually stunning keyboard with RGB lighting, smooth and weighty typing experience with a clacky sound profile, then the Flame Red is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique blend of softer acoustics, crisp higher-pitched resonance, bouncy and creamy feel with a distinctively snappy sound, then the Xinhai would be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and visual aesthetics to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience tailored to your liking.
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