TTC Gold Pink vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both offer unique experiences suited to different user preferences. The Gold Pink, renowned for its remarkably light 37g actuation force, caters to those who crave a quick and effortless typing experience, ideal for rapid typing and gaming. Its feathery touch and satisfying clacky sound provide not just a tactile experience but also a lively auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel engaging. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) takes a different approach with its robust build, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that softens the acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch is perfect for users who prefer a more substantial feel and sophisticated sound profile, allowing for precise performance during both typing and gaming. Overall, while the Gold Pink excels in speed and lightness, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a blend of stability and refined sound. 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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) feature distinct differences in their top housing materials, impacting the overall acoustic performance of each switch. The Gold Pink utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which aids in resonance and clarity when used with RGB lighting setups, offering a visually appealing aesthetic as well. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing. While nylon is a traditional choice in switch design, it provides a deeper and fuller sound, as its softer composition absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder tonal quality. This fundamental difference in materials sets the two switches apart in terms of the sound profiles they offer when typing.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a shared characteristic that influences the feel and sound when bottoming out. With both the Gold Pink and the Xinhai (Heavy) employing nylon, they will produce a similar sound signature when pressed down, characterized by the deeper and more muffled quality that nylon brings. As previously mentioned, the bottom housing is significant for the tactile feedback and the bottom-out noise, and since both switches share this material in that part of their design, users can expect a comparable experience concerning the sound produced when the key is fully pressed down.
The contrast between the top housing materials of the Gold Pink and the Xinhai (Heavy) highlights how different materials can distinctly influence the acoustic characteristics of a switch. While the Gold Pink excels in delivering a brighter, more resonant sound with its polycarbonate design, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a deeper, warmer sound profile due to its nylon top. However, the similarity of their nylon bottom housings suggests that both switches will perform similarly in terms of feel and acoustics during key bottom-out. Consequently, users who prioritize bottom-out sound quality may find parallels in their experience with both switches, despite the differences in their top housing compositions.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer typing experience, particularly during extended use such as work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. This means that users seeking a light and effortless keystroke will gravitate toward the Gold Pink switch, while those who prefer a firmer, more controlled typing experience will favor the Xinhai (Heavy). Overall, if you're looking for a lighter option for prolonged use, the Gold Pink stands out, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) offers the weightier alternative for a more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Gold Pink switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a more substantial feel and depth when pressing a key. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who seek quicker response times, often favored by gamers. While the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai (Heavy) might provide a snappier feedback, some users may find it feels more abrupt compared to the more pronounced 4 mm travel of the Gold Pink. Therefore, if a deeper key travel experience is preferred, the Gold Pink would be the suitable choice, while those leaning towards faster actuation might opt for the Xinhai (Heavy).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Pink switch is characterized by a lively and clacky tone, making it an exciting option for those who enjoy an auditory reward during typing or gaming. This engaging sound profile not only enhances the tactile experience but also makes the act of typing feel more dynamic. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy), on the other hand, boasts a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance thanks to its POM stem, which offers a subtler yet sophisticated acoustic profile when combined with its PA12 top housing. Although both switches produce sound, the Gold Pink leans towards a more pronounced clack, while the Xinhai (Heavy) presents a refined, cleaner sound that may suit users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch excels in providing a buttery, feathery, and polished typing experience. With a mild actuation force of only 37g, it allows for effortless keystrokes that reduce finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended use in both gaming and work scenarios. The smoothness of the keystroke promotes a seamless typing experience, so users can enjoy a light and lively feel. In contrast, the subjective qualities of the Xinhai (Heavy) remain unspecified, leaving an uncertainty about its overall typing feel. However, given its designation as a "Heavy" switch, one might anticipate a more substantial actuation force that could provide a different tactile feedback compared to the lightweight Gold Pink, making them suited to different preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch stands out for its light actuation force and lively sound profile, making it perfect for users who enjoy fast-paced typing and an engaging auditory experience. Its buttery feel and polished finish also make it comfortable for prolonged use. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch may offer its own unique properties, though the lack of specified characteristics leaves its feel somewhat ambiguous. Ultimately, individual preferences will dictate the choice between these switches, but users may find that certain qualities align, allowing for enjoyable typing experiences across both options.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a fast and effortless typing experience, especially for rapid typing or gaming, the Gold Pink is your ideal choice. With its light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, you’ll enjoy a buttery and feathery feel that minimizes finger fatigue, making it perfect for extended sessions. The Gold Pink also provides a clacky sound that adds an enjoyable auditory feedback without being overly disruptive—great for shared spaces or casual settings. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more robust typing experience with a bit more resistance, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch could be the ticket. Its higher bottom-out force of 62.5 grams offers a more substantial and refined feel, producing a softly resonant sound that caters to those who appreciate a bit more feedback and sophistication in their typing. This switch's blend of unique materials will provide a crisp yet gentle acoustics profile that's ideal for office environments or settings where you want to minimize noise while still enjoying a dependable tactile sensation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal style, typing habits, and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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