TTC Ice vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The TTC Ice is recognized for its crystal-clear transparent design that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a satisfying bottom-out sound during both gaming sessions and everyday typing tasks. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch stands out with its unique PA12 top housing, designed for a softer acoustics profile, complemented by a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch aims to blend subtle sophistication with precise performance, catering to users who prioritize sound clarity alongside tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches deliver exceptional performance, they cater to different preferences in acoustics and feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for the TTC Ice and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches exhibit a fundamental contrast that significantly impacts their acoustic profiles and user experience. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and clarity, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This choice of material enhances the overall resonance of the switch, making it particularly appealing for users who favor a brighter auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also offers aesthetic benefits, especially for setups that include RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which inherently produces a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience, which appeals to users looking for a softer touch and a thuddier sound signature.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar disparity in material choices and resultant sound qualities. The TTC Ice incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing that mimics the top's characteristics, delivering a bright and resonant feel with a pronounced bottom-out sound. This consistency in using polycarbonate for both housings means that the switch produces a unified and cohesive sound profile, ideal for users who appreciate clarity in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon bottom housing, which complements its nylon top by contributing to a deeper auditory experience. Since the nylon material absorbs more sound, it not only rounds out the overall noise profile but also enhances the tactile experience of typing, resulting in a softer bottom-out impact compared to its polycarbonate counterpart.
By considering both the top and bottom housings, it's evident that the musicality of the TTC Ice and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) varies based on their material compositions. While the Ice delivers a bright, resonant sound through consistent use of polycarbonate, the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a fuller, rounder auditory profile due to its use of nylon. If both the top and bottom housings of a switch share the same material, like the Ice, users can expect a homogeneous sound experience. However, in switches with different housing materials such as the Xinhai, the unique qualities of each will be felt and heard distinctly, resulting in a dual experience—where the top housing's attributes influence the release sound and feel, while the bottom housing shapes the bottom-out sensations.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, clear distinctions in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The TTC Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as the heavier choice. While both switches fall within the medium range for force resistance, the differences are notable for users seeking specific tactile experiences. The lighter actuation force of the Ice can facilitate longer typing or gaming sessions without as much fatigue, whereas the heavier feel of the Xinhai might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial push and feedback when typing. Therefore, while both switches offer appealing characteristics, the decision ultimately hinges on personal preference for lighter versus heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai (Heavy) the shorter of the two switches, providing a quicker response time, which is often preferred by gamers seeking enhanced performance. On the other hand, the TTC Ice, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile feedback experience and a sense of depth when pressing down on keys. While both switches cater to different preferences, the slight difference in travel distance—3.6 mm for the Ice and 3.4 mm for the Xinhai (Heavy)—ultimately suggests that if you're leaning toward responsiveness, the Xinhai could be the better choice, whereas those who favor a heartier feel might prefer the Ice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Ice linear switch delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it suitable for both gaming and typing while still keeping a refined acoustic profile. This premium experience is balanced by the fact that the transparent design of the Ice switch allows for sound clarity, enhancing its auditory appeal. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch boasts a unique PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustic profile. This is complemented by its POM stem, which produces a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While both switches offer enjoyable sound characteristics, the Ice tends to be more resonant and robust, while the Xinhai (Heavy) leans towards a smoother and more sophisticated sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice linear switch is known for its smooth and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming and comfortable for long typing sessions. Users can expect a gratifying tactile journey with minimal friction during operation. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) enhances the experience with its heavier actuation force, which may provide a denser and more deliberate feeling with each keystroke. This switch's design aims to support precision in typing, making it feel more substantial in hand. Both switches offer their unique tactile experiences – one favoring fluidity while the other promotes intentionality and control.
Overall, both the TTC Ice and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches cater to distinct preferences and needs, allowing users to choose based on their specific requirements for sound and feel. The Ice provides a more robust auditory experience, while the Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizes a softer acoustic output and a heavier actuation feel. Depending on your preference for sound clarity and typing depth, either switch can deliver a premium typing experience that aligns well with your goals, whether for gaming or everyday typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific type of experience you want from your keyboard. If you appreciate a smooth, responsive feel along with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Ice switch may be more suited to your needs, particularly in scenarios where a clear acoustic feedback is beneficial—like gaming or everyday typing. Its crystal-clear design not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to a premium typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience and want to enjoy softer acoustics with a distinctively crisp sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) might be the better option. The unique materials used in its construction lend a refined feel and subtle sophistication that can be ideal for those engaged in more focused work or who favor the precision that comes with a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, consider what you value more in your keyboard switches: the effortless smoothness and clarity of the Ice or the refined weight and acoustics of the Xinhai (Heavy) to find what best complements your typing style.
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