TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stand out in their own unique ways, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth actuation, featuring a shortened travel distance that ensures each keystroke ends with a satisfying bottom-out. This switch's design offers a low-pitched, thocky sound signature that enhances the tactile experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and precision. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) embodies a more refined approach, utilizing a unique PA12 top housing combined with a POM stem to create a softer acoustic profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch provides a heavier feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke without sacrificing performance. While both switches offer a linear experience, the TTC Gold Silver shines with its speed and auditory feedback, whereas the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) brings a touch of sophistication and a distinct sound quality to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Silver Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Silver and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) keyboards exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly impacts the sound profiles and performance characteristics of each switch. The Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with enhanced clarity and resonance when the keys are pressed. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through more effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing effect during use. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder acoustics that cater to users who prefer a softer typing experience.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Gold Silver and Xinhai (Heavy) feature nylon materials, which lead to similar acoustic qualities in terms of sound absorption. The use of nylon in both keyboards contributes to a richer and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its inherent properties that support sound dampening. This commonality means that while the top housings may lead to different tonal characteristics, the consistent nylon bottom housing across both models ensures that users will experience depth and richness in sound while typing. Furthermore, the impact of the bottom housing during key presses will be felt similarly across both switches, as the nylon material creates that noticeably softer sensation when bottoming out.

Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top housings of the Gold Silver and Xinhai (Heavy) leads to varied auditory experiences, while the shared nylon bottom housing unifies aspects of sound and feel. This means that while the TTC Gold Silver may appeal to users seeking a bright and sharp auditory feedback, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) will cater to those who enjoy a more muted and round acoustic signature. Nevertheless, the nylon bottom housing assures a similar fullness and depth during use, demonstrating how the unique top housing materials can bring distinct sound profiles while still maintaining some similarities across the two switch designs.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Gold Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more effortless typing experience, especially during prolonged use. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Regarding bottom out forces, the Gold Silver's is unknown, while the Xinhai has a defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a clear indication of how much pressure is required when the key is fully depressed. This difference highlights the Xinhai’s more pronounced feedback, which can enhance typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the TTC Gold Silver is the lighter option suitable for long typing sessions, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) appeals to users seeking a firmer keystroke response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Gold Silver offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures 3.4 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm reflects the slight variations in their designs, which can influence the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers typically prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Xinhai (Heavy) a potentially better choice for those prioritizing speed. However, for users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress and the sensation of deeper travel, the Gold Silver would be the suitable option. In summary, while both switches are close in travel distance, the Gold Silver is the longer option, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial engagement with each keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched resonance. The design allows for a deep and rich auditory response that provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. This makes it appealing for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. The Gold Silver's neutral quality also makes it versatile enough to be utilized in various environments, whether at home or in the office, without being intrusive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains unspecified, but the switch offers a unique PA12 top housing designed for softer acoustics. While the Xinhai may provide a different auditory experience, the absence of a detailed description leaves some uncertainty as to how it compares directly to the Gold Silver's established sound qualities.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver excels with descriptors like polished and silky, ensuring a highly refined typing experience marked by smooth key travel and reduced friction. The mild and subtle aspects of its feedback make it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists, allowing for an enjoyable typing rhythm without overwhelming resistance. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is also not elaborated upon, leaving a gap in knowledge regarding its tactile characteristics. This absence makes it challenging to draw a direct comparison, although one might speculate that the heavier variant could introduce a different kind of tactile feedback that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel.

Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch stands out with its well-defined sound and feel qualities, perfectly blending speed and fluidity. Its thocky sound and smooth tactile feedback create an engaging typing experience that resonates with many users. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, while intriguing with its promise of subtle acoustics and a potential heavier feel, lacks detailed descriptions to make an informed comparison. Thus, while the Gold Silver offers a clearer set of attributes, those looking for a uniquely crafted experience in the Xinhai may find its unknown qualities worth exploring, especially if they prefer a different sound profile or tactile feedback that suits their typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a smooth, silky feel with every keystroke, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent choice. Its thoughtful design offers a polished experience characterized by a thocky sound signature, making it ideal for both gaming and general typing in shared environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press and enjoy a distinct acoustic profile with a heavier bottom-out force, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) will likely suit you better. Its unique construction allows for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, lending a sense of sophistication to your typing experience. By considering these factors, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing style, sound preferences, and overall keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more