TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, players often seek out the perfect balance between feedback and typing comfort, making the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) compelling options within the linear switch category. The Flaming Purple stands out with its remarkably resonant character, characterized by a low-pitched, bassy sound that's complemented by a poppy undertone, ensuring an engaging auditory experience with every keystroke. Its featherlight activation force of just 47g allows for swift and effortless typing, making it a fantastic choice for both enthusiasts and everyday typists who value speed and responsiveness. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a different experience with its heavier actuation, known for its unique PA12 top housing that softens the acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a higher-pitched resonance, blending subtle sophistication with precise performance. The Xinhai appeals to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback that can be felt while typing. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, whether you lean towards a smoother, more resonant feel or a heavier, refined touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a distinct contrast emerges primarily in the materials used for the top housing. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency, leading to a sharper, clearer sound profile. This allows for a more resonant and high-pitched audio experience, particularly advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate’s clarity makes the colors more vibrant and pronounced. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's softer properties. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the two switches will deliver noticeably different auditory results based on their respective top housing choices.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing components, as both the Flaming Purple and Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon. This commonality means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, both switches will perform with a similar depth and fullness characteristic of nylon's acoustic properties. The softer nature of the nylon used in the bottom housing enhances the overall experience by absorbing impact and creating a more pleasant bottom-out sound, resulting in a rounded auditory feedback that many typists find desirable. Therefore, the similarities in the bottom housing of both options provide a cohesive experience, albeit with contrasting characteristics in the top.
Ultimately, while the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) exhibit different sound profiles due to their top materials, their combination of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a shared auditory foundation. Users can expect a similar bottom-out experience with both switches, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon that contribute to a fuller acoustic response. This contrast between the acrylic clarity of the Flaming Purple and the subdued warmth of the Xinhai (Heavy) illustrates the impact of material choice on user experience, solidifying how each component of a switch contributes to its overall performance.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Flaming Purple has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a softer touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial, tactile experience with a firmer keystroke. Consequently, while both serve their purposes effectively, the Flaming Purple is the lighter option, ideal for extended use, while the Xinhai offers a heavier, more robust feel for users who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Flaming Purple offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Flaming Purple is better suited for those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, caters to users who favor quicker response times, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking rapid inputs. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Xinhai (Heavy) would be the ideal choice, whereas if you appreciate a heartier keystroke, the Flaming Purple would likely meet your preferences better.
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 (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 $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 Flaming Purple linear switch offers a unique auditory experience with its resonant and bassy characteristics. Its sound profile is not only rich but also slightly low-pitched, producing an engaging and immersive quality during typing. The slight poppy undertone adds a distinctive flair that draws attention without being overwhelming, making each stroke feel alive. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch’s sound profile remains less defined in this discussion. However, it's worth mentioning that the Xinhai is crafted with a PA12 top housing, which may lend it a softer and possibly more refined acoustic signature compared to the Flaming Purple. Ultimately, the Flaming Purple provides a lively auditory environment that is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Purple excels with its feathery and smooth touch. It requires a mere 47g of actuation force, making it exceptionally easy to press and resulting in a typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during lengthy sessions. This effortless actuation is enhanced further by the silky feel of the switch, promoting a seamless and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch does not have specific descriptors available for its feel characteristics. Therefore, while the Flaming Purple is well-acclaimed for its light and responsive nature, the tactile experience of the Xinhai remains unknown, leaving potential users to wonder how it compares in this aspect.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch presents a compelling choice, combining a rich sound profile with a light and smooth feel that caters to both casual and dedicated typists. Its engaging auditory experience and feather-light actuation make it ideal for those looking for quick and enjoyable typing sessions. In contrast, while the sound and feel qualities of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch are not fully elaborated, it seems positioned to offer a different kind of experience, possibly appealing to users who enjoy a sturdier switch. The distinct characteristics of these switches can cater to a wide range of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, making them worthy options to consider.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch fundamentally hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, the Flaming Purple is your go-to option. With a bottom-out force of just 47 grams, it’s exceptionally feathery, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions, whether you’re gaming, programming, or drafting documents. Its resonant and bassy sound profile adds character to every stroke, enriching your auditory experience without overwhelming it. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more resistance and a satisfying tactile feedback, the Xinhai (Heavy) is the better choice. With a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it offers a medium level of resistance that many find rewarding for precision and control during typing. Its unique acoustic design—a PA12 top housing paired with a POM stem—ensures a crisp sound with subtle sophistication. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the balance between sound characteristics, the desired weight of actuation, and your typical usage scenarios, ensuring your mechanical keyboard experience is precisely tailored to your needs.
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