TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introduction:
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Xinhai stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke, accompanied by a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a unique acoustics profile with a softer tone from its PA12 top housing and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance from its POM stem. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Xinhai embodies subtle sophistication and precise performance. Each switch has its own characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Xinhai are quite similar in that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness that leads to clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Silver uses nylon while the Xinhai also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the use of different bottom housing materials between the Gold Silver and the Xinhai can lead to distinct typing experiences. The Gold Silver's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing results in a balance between a sharp, clear sound from the top and a deep, full sound from the bottom. On the other hand, the Xinhai's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housings may provide a more cohesive sound profile throughout typing. This difference in housing materials highlights how the composition of a switch can impact its overall sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Xinhai plays a crucial role in the typing experience. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials can lead to variations in sound and feel. Whether it's the sharper and clearer sound profile of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon, each material brings its unique qualities to the typing experience. Understanding how these housing materials work together can help users make informed decisions when selecting a switch that suits their preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear 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, the Gold Silver has a bottom out force that is unavailable, while the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it heavier in that aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Xinhai may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Xinhai may suit those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them ideal for users who prefer quicker response times. Gamers in particular tend to favor switches with shorter travel distances for fast-paced gameplay. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the slight difference between the two switches could make a noticeable impact. In this case, the TTC Gold Silver switch would be considered the longer option by 0.1 mm. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and how you prefer the keys to feel when typing or gaming. Regardless of the slight difference in travel distance, both switches are likely to offer similar results in terms of overall performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and rich sound with a satisfying thud upon pressing. This neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various environments and user preferences. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy tone, adding a crisp and bright element to each keystroke. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a deeper and mellower sound (Gold Silver) or a sharper and more percussive sound (Xinhai).
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, emphasizing smoothness, refined finish, gentle resistance, and a light typing feel. This combination results in a seamless and approachable typing sensation suitable for most users. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai switch is characterized by its bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The choice here would depend on whether the user prefers a more elastic and lively feel (Xinhai) or a smoother and more refined typing experience (Gold Silver).
Overall, both the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound combined with a polished and silky typing feel, emphasizing precision and fluidity in each keystroke. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel, offering a distinctively crisp and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's personal preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for rapid responsiveness and a resonant sound signature with the Gold Silver, or a softer acoustic profile and higher-pitched resonance with the Xinhai. If you prioritize speed, sound, and fluidity in your keystrokes, the Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, the Xinhai might be more suitable. Ultimately, whether you opt for the TTC Gold Silver or the HMX Xinhai, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles. It all comes down to your personal preference and what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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