TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended usage, and the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) are two excellent linear options that cater to different gamer and typist needs. The Flaming Pink switches are renowned for their smooth and responsive feel, along with a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience, making them a great choice for both gaming enthusiasts and those who spend long hours typing. Their bright yet moderate sound profile ensures that they strike the right balance between audible feedback and a non-disruptive workspace. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switches take a more sophisticated approach with their heavier actuation force and unique PA12 top housing. This design not only encourages a softer acoustic profile but pairs excellently with the POM stem, producing a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that avid typists may appreciate for its precision. Both switches offer distinct advantages, whether you prioritize a premium feel or a blend of subtlety and 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present a fascinating contrast in their contributions to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for showcasing RGB lighting, as the clear nature of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb sound more than polycarbonate due to its softer composition. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is less resonant but offers a rounded quality. Thus, while the Flaming Pink's top housing enhances clarity and brightness in sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more subdued auditory experience.
Both switches, however, use nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a more consistent audio characteristic between them. The nylon bottom housing of both the Flaming Pink and Xinhai (Heavy) provides a deeper and fuller sound when typists engage the switches. This shared material contributes to a more muted auditory feedback that feels rich and tactile during use. While the Flaming Pink's top housing delivers a brighter sound when releasing a key, the similar nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will have a somewhat comparable experience upon bottoming out. Therefore, despite their differences in top housing materials, users can expect similar performance in sound engagement when the switches are pressed down.
The interaction of these differing materials emphasizes the complex relationship between the top and bottom housings in a keyboard switch. With the Flaming Pink's harder polycarbonate top offering a clear and resonant release impression, contrasted with the Xinhai (Heavy)'s softer nylon top, the overall experience is colorsd by their respective designs. However, the nylon shared in the bottom housing harmonizes this disparity by muting the impact sound in both cases. As a result, both switches can cater to different personal preferences: one seeking a crisper tone in gameplay scenarios, and the other desiring a rounded, softer typing experience for everyday tasks. Consequently, while they diverge in some aspects, the commonality in their bottom housings fosters a base level of similarity in auditory feedback during typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences are evident in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch has a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch that can facilitate extended typing sessions or gaming without as much hand fatigue. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the Flaming Pink is categorized as the lighter switch, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier option. This difference in force can lead to distinct typing experiences, and while both switches provide effective keystrokes, the lighter Flaming Pink is likely better for long-duration use, whereas the heavier Xinhai may be favored by those seeking more resistance in their keypresses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Flaming Pink stands out with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a slightly shorter distance at 3.4 mm. This indicates that if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Xinhai may be appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses. Conversely, the Flaming Pink, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feel that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a deeper key press feel in your switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is known for its bright yet not overly loud sound profile, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing without being disruptive. It offers a satisfying bottom-out sound that adds to the overall typing experience, creating a pleasant auditory feedback that enhances engagement. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch boasts a distinctly crisp, higher-pitched resonance attributed to its POM stem. The design incorporates a PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustic profile, giving it a more subdued yet refined sound. Both switches provide auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Flaming Pink delivering more brightness while the Xinhai (Heavy) leans towards subtle sophistication.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink linear switch is celebrated for its smooth, responsive action, providing a premium typing experience that many users appreciate. It offers a consistency that benefits gaming and fast-paced typing alike. The Xinhai (Heavy), being a heavier variant, is designed to deliver a solid, deliberate keystroke, offering tactile feedback that can enhance precision for typists who favor a more substantial feel. While both switches focus on a linear response and smoothness, the Flaming Pink tends to be lighter and quicker, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who prefer a more forceful actuation.
In summary, both the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches deliver unique auditory and tactile experiences that appeal to different user preferences. The Flaming Pink switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bright sound and a smooth, responsive feel, while the Xinhai (Heavy) combines a refined acoustic experience with a more tactile, heavier action. Depending on your typing style and preference for sound, you can expect satisfying results from either choice, knowing they each bring their own distinct qualities to the keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a light, smooth, and responsive typing experience — particularly if you're a gamer or someone who types extensively — the Flaming Pink may be your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it easier to actuate keys quickly without feeling fatigued, and its balanced sound profile allows for an enjoyable experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers or engage in typing tasks that require precision, such as programming or writing, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its 62.5-gram bottom-out force, may better suit your needs. Its PA12 top housing offers a unique acoustic profile that provides a pleasing, higher-pitched resonance alongside a subdued sophistication perfect for a quieter workspace. Ultimately, your choice will depend on how you prioritize weight, sound, and tactile feedback in your keyboard experience.
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