TTC Gold Red vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red switches are celebrated for their exceptionally smooth typing experience, featuring a light to medium resistance that provides a comfortable feel ideal for both typing and gaming. With a snappy yet subtle sound profile, the Gold Red strikes a harmonious balance between performance and personality, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a polished and refined touch. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a firmer typing experience, designed with a unique PA12 top housing that softens acoustics while delivering a crisp, high-pitched resonance via its POM stem. This switch is perfect for users who value both sophistication and precise performance, ideal for an intense typing scenario or gaming session. Both switches have their merits, appealing to diverse user needs based on typing feel and sound preference; 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), one notable difference is found in their top housing compositions. The Gold Red utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness which enhances sound clarity, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing. Nylon is inherently softer, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This fundamental difference in materials results in distinct auditory experiences with the Gold Red providing a more vibrant sound when keys are released, while the Xinhai (Heavy) yields a more rounded and subdued sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Gold Red and the Xinhai (Heavy) employ nylon. This shared choice means that, despite differences in their top housings, both switches will deliver a similar depth of sound profile attributable to the nylon. The softer nature of the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out feel and sound, creating a consistent foundation in both units. Consequently, while the top housings diverge in terms of material properties and resultant tonal qualities, the shared nylon at the bottom ensures that both switches maintain that characteristic fuller sound during key presses.
In summary, although the TTC Gold Red and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) differ in their top housing materials—with polycarbonate yielding a sharper sound versus the fuller character of nylon—both models share a nylon bottom housing. This configuration allows for a convergence in sound profile during actuation. The combination of distinct top and uniform bottom materials harmonizes to create unique yet comparable auditory results, showcasing how variations in housing materials can influence both sound and user experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch with the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Gold Red features a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it minimizes fatigue. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more robust typing experience with greater resistance. Ultimately, while the Gold Red is the lighter option overall, the Xinhai offers a heavier feel which may be more satisfying for users who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The TTC Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) measures 3.4 mm. This means that the Gold Red switch provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, offers quicker actuation, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch suits your needs better; if you favor a more tactile depth, the Gold Red is the ideal option, while the Xinhai provides a snappier feel for those who enjoy rapid key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Gold Red is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This switch produces a deep and mellow tone that's perfect for users who appreciate a sound that is both rich and neutral, ensuring it doesn’t come off as too intrusive in either home or work settings. On the other hand, while the specific sound characteristics of the Xinhai (Heavy) are not explicitly detailed, its unique PA12 top housing suggests a softer acoustics profile, which may lend itself to a more subtle sound experience. Based on the materials and characteristics, it can be inferred that the sound of the HMX Xinhai may complement quieter environments well, resulting in a less pronounced auditory presence compared to the Gold Red.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switch excels with its mild resistance and silky smoothness, providing a gentle typing experience that is welcoming to all users, regardless of their typing style. It ensures that each keystroke feels refined and polished, minimizing friction for seamless interaction. While details about the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) are not specified, the description implies a focus on crafting a heavier switch that emphasizes precise performance. Therefore, while the Gold Red may cater to those looking for an approachable and subtle typing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) could appeal to users seeking a more substantial key press, though specific experiential qualities remain unknown.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out for its pleasing sound profile and delightful feel, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. It delivers a notable auditory experience while offering smoothness and a mild resistance that suits various typing needs. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, while not detailed in terms of sound and feel, offers the potential for a more sophisticated auditory profile and a heavier typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial switch feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, where users can expect either a rich, satisfying auditory feedback or a refined typing experience depending on their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preference and typing style. If you appreciate a lighter touch that allows for rapid key presses and a buttery smooth experience, the Gold Red is a fantastic option for you. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it particularly suitable for fast typists and gamers who thrive on quick reactions, while the thocky, low-pitched sound profile adds a satisfying acoustic without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel and don't mind exerting a bit more force when typing, the Xinhai (Heavy) may be the better choice. With a heavier bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, this switch provides a tactile experience that conveys stability and purpose, making it excellent for those who prefer deliberate key presses. The Xinhai's refined materials also contribute to a distinctive acoustic that blends sophistication with performance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing needs—whether you lean towards the silky smoothness of the Gold Red or the precise, heavier feedback of the Xinhai (Heavy).
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