TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that each offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out for its bassier sound profile and feathery feel, making it a popular choice for users who enjoy a resonant and easy-to-press typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch boasts a distinctive combination of bouncy and clacky attributes, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem, appealing to those who prefer a creamy and precise keypress sensation. 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
47g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for both the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Xinhai are the same, with both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is useful for switches with clear housings, especially if RGB lighting is being used. Therefore, both switches will likely have similar sound profiles and visual effects due to the shared polycarbonate top housing material.
On the other hand, the differences between the two switches lie in their bottom housing materials. The Flaming Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Xinhai also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for the same effect. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing on them, providing a unique typing experience for each.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound profile of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each material will be split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when letting go of a key. This means that while the polycarbonate top housing in both the Flaming Purple and the Xinhai may create similar effects, the nylon bottom housing in each switch will provide a distinct typing experience for users.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Xinhai slightly lighter in terms of force required for typing. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of these switches for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. However, others may prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, both switches would provide similar results due to their comparable forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 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 those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Flaming Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai, although the difference is minimal. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keypress, the Flaming Purple may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel, the Xinhai with its slightly shorter travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 $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 TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is best known for its bassy undertones and resonant nature, providing a poppy undertone that adds an engaging flair to each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a unique acoustics profile with a softer sound due to the PA12 top housing and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance from the POM stem. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a bassier sound signature, the Xinhai switch provides a clacky and percussive sound experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized by its feathery nature, requiring minimal effort to press the keys with just 47g of bottom-out force. This results in a swift and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Xinhai switch offers a lively bounce when pressed, enhancing the overall typing feel with a silky sensation.
Conclusively, the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassier sound profile and a feathery typing experience, while the Xinhai stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to customize their typing experience according to their liking. It's important to experiment with different switches on various keyboards to find the perfect match for your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should take into account your preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a bassier and resonant sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a clacky sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the HMX Xinhai switch would better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing experience and the auditory feedback you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
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