TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Gold Brown Pro offers a gentle tactile bump for a more subtle and nuanced typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more understated tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch provides a unique blend of soft acoustics and crisp, higher-pitched resonance, appealing to those who enjoy a bouncier and clackier typing feel. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific typing needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Xinhai, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, making them visually appealing. However, while both switches share this commonality in their top housings, the TTC Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Xinhai differ in their bottom housing material. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing offers a similar experience. Both switches leverage the softer nature of nylon to create a sound that is duller and rounder compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by their polycarbonate top housings. This split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, as the qualities of each material influence the sound and feel of the switches differently during keypresses.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Xinhai contribute to their distinctive sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the Gold Brown Pro sets itself apart with a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a more rounded sound profile, complementing the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, as each housing material offers a unique tactile experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Xinhai linear switch has a heavier force of 45 grams while the Gold Brown Pro has an unknown bottom out force. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Xinhai switch, which has a lighter actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro switch due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the HMX Xinhai linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times, especially among gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant for most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper press may find the Gold Brown Pro to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch provides a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, giving off a deep and rich sound that is not too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Gold Brown Pro leaning towards a more neutral and subdued sound, while the Xinhai switch provides a brighter and crisper sound.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch offers a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience. These qualities result in a smooth and refined typing feel with gentle resistance and minimal sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, giving off a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery feel. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, with the Gold Brown Pro focusing on a more refined and subtle tactility, while the Xinhai switch offers a bouncier and creamier typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a gentle and nuanced tactile bump with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating an understated typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a unique acoustics profile with a clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel, providing a different typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a variety of qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a more subtle and refined typing experience or a livelier and creamier feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a subtle tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is the ideal choice for a peaceful and focused typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisp and bright typing sensation with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Xinhai switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you aim to achieve. So, choose wisely based on what best suits your typing style and workflow.
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