Cherry MX Black vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Yunhai can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cherry MX Black is renowned for its classic, textured smoothness, achieved through Cherry's innovative Hyperglide tooling. These switches are characterized by their low-pitched, deep sound profile and stiff resistance, offering a sense of durability and precision that appeals to experienced typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai presents a different tactile experience, boasting a light actuation force that makes typing feel gentle and effortless, complemented by a deep, rounded sound profile. This makes the Yunhai particularly alluring for those who prioritize comfort and a soothing acoustic environment during long typing sessions. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique advantages—Cherry MX Black for its sturdiness and tactile feedback, and TTC Yunhai for its ease of use and acoustic appeal—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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and the TTC Yunhai both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, a choice that reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the typing experience. The use of nylon across both switches contributes to a sound profile that is noteworthy due to the material's inherent properties. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it has a unique capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and more rounded auditory feedback when typing. This characteristic is consistent in both models, fostering a rich sound experience that many typists appreciate. Ultimately, users can expect a comparable acoustic quality from both switches due to their identical housing material.
In terms of physical interaction, both the Cherry MX Black and TTC Yunhai switches deliver a tactile experience that is marked by the softness of nylon. As the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the sound and feel when a key bottoms out, both switches will exhibit similar behavior in this regard. The nylon used in the bottom housing contributes to a muted sound upon key press, aligning with the typist's expectation of a softer landing. When typing with either switch, users can anticipate a cohesive tactile feedback that promotes comfort and satisfaction, driven by the properties of the nylon material.
While the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Yunhai share notably similar sound profiles and tactile feedback due to their all-nylon construction, the nuances in user experience might still arise from variations in their internal mechanisms or designs. That said, since both switches utilize the same material for both the top and bottom housings, they are likely to produce similar auditory and tactile results, effectively blending the sonic qualities of softer plastics. Users preferring a more rounded sound and tactile response are likely to find satisfaction with either switch, benefiting from the characteristics that nylon imparts to both models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences surface. The Cherry MX Black switch features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, requiring more effort to trigger a keystroke, while the Yunhai switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This difference in actuation force means that the MX Black may be better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience and can handle longer typing durations without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Cherry MX Black again comes in heavier at 80 grams compared to the Yunhai's 50 grams. This variation indicates that the MX Black offers a more pronounced feedback when bottoming out, which some users may find satisfying. For those who type or game for extended periods, the lighter TTC Yunhai switch provides a more comfortable experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for long sessions. Thus, while both switches serve their purpose, the choice ultimately hinges on the user's preference for actuation force weight—heavy for a robust feel with the MX Black, or light for effortless keystrokes with the Yunhai.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cherry MX Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice that provides a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. While both switches offer a linear feel, the Cherry MX Black's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke, whereas the Yunhai’s shorter travel distance could be more suitable for users looking for faster actuation and agility in their typing or gaming experience. Thus, if you're seeking a switch that allows for ample key travel, the Cherry MX Black is the ideal option, while the TTC Yunhai is better for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Black switches present a low-pitched acoustics that is characterized by a deep and mellow tone. This bass-heavy sound creates a satisfying auditory feedback during typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter yet rich auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches also sport a deep sound profile but are designed to be gentler and rounder, catering to users who enjoy a softer auditory feedback. The combination of these sound qualities means that both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience, albeit with different tonal characteristics. It's important to remember that the perceived sound can vary significantly depending on additional factors such as the keyboard's build material and the choice of keycaps.
Moving to the feel, the Cherry MX Black switches offer a textured and stiff experience. The noticeable friction can be polarizing; while some users appreciate the tactile feedback that textured switches provide, others may find the resistance less desirable. This stiffness means that they require a more significant force to actuate, ensuring that users are more deliberate with each keystroke. On the other hand, details on the tactile feel of the TTC Yunhai switches remain unspecified, but given their light actuation force, they likely offer a smoother and less resistant typing experience. This significant difference in actuation force may appeal to typists who favor a more effortless typing performance, allowing for quicker keystrokes with less fatigue during extended use.
In summary, the Cherry MX Black and TTC Yunhai switches both cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black’s low-pitched, textured, and stiff qualities contrast with the Yunhai’s softer, rounder sound paired with a likely smoother typing experience, thanks to its light actuation force. Users can expect to achieve different typing sensations and auditory feedback from these switches, thus enhancing their overall typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between Cherry MX Black and TTC Yunhai linear switches, consider your typing style and preferences. If you favor a heavier switch that requires more force to activate, the Cherry MX Black will serve you well, especially if you appreciate its textured feel and low-pitched sound profile. This switch is especially suited for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience, as its 80-gram actuation force provides a satisfying resistance, making it ideal for gamers or typists who want to avoid accidental key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai is the better choice. With its 50-gram actuation force, it allows for quicker response times and a gentler feel, perfect for those who type for long hours and seek a smooth, enjoyable experience without the fatigue that can accompany heavier switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you want the robust, classic feel of the MX Black or the soft, responsive nature of the Yunhai, catering to your specific needs for both typing and gaming.
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