TTC Neptune vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Neptune and TTC Yunhai both offer unique experiences for users seeking linear switches, yet they diverge significantly in feel and sound profile. The TTC Neptune is celebrated for its innovative internal structure that provides a smooth, almost frictionless glide, coupled with a delightful chewy resistance reminiscent of mochi or tapioca pearls. Its ultralight weight facilitates swift and agile typing, while the muted thocky sound signature creates a soothing ambiance, making it an attractive choice for those who favor a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai is designed for an exceptionally gentle touch, offering a deep, rounded sound profile and light actuation force that caters to typists who appreciate an effortless keystroke. Each switch presents its own merits—whether you prioritize the Neptune’s polished glide or the Yunhai’s soft touch and sound. 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
41g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Neptune and TTC Yunhai offer a compelling study in contrasts and similarities, particularly when examining their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Neptune's top housing is made from POM (polyoxymethylene), which is known to generate a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, which also produces a deeper sound. This results in both switches having a wholesome and rounded auditory experience. However, the nuances in material properties yield different tonal characteristics: while the Neptune's POM tends to create a more unique sound, the nylon of the Yunhai leans toward a traditional warmth typically associated with classic switch designs.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences become more pronounced. The Neptune features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a pronounced and crisp sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for clearer and more resonant sounds, enhancing the auditory response that typists experience. In stark contrast, the Yunhai’s nylon bottom housing reinforces the deeper sound profile, with its softer nature absorbing sound more effectively and producing a duller output. Consequently, while both switches share an overall deep tonal quality, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom adds a brightness that is absent in the Yunhai, emphasizing the impact of material choice on the final auditory experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between these housing materials influences both the feeling and the acoustic signature of each switch. In the Neptune switch, the combination of POM and polycarbonate results in a unique balance of muted depth combined with clarity. Conversely, the Yunhai’s use of nylon throughout creates a more consistent and traditional feel and sound. Therefore, even though both switches can achieve similar sound profiles, the variations in the materials utilized ensure that typists will experience distinct auditory and tactile feedback, underscoring the significance of careful material selection in switch design.
Weight
The TTC Neptune and TTC Yunhai linear switches exhibit very similar specifications regarding their actuation and bottom out forces, making them both appealing options for users depending on their preferences. The Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yunhai has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams but shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams. Thus, the Neptune is marginally lighter in terms of actuation force, which might be advantageous for users who prioritize prolonged typing comfort for work or extended gaming sessions. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that their overall feel when fully pressed down will be the same. Professionals or gamers seeking a heavier push experience would be better served by the Yunhai due to its slightly higher actuation force, while the Neptune may be preferred for those looking for a bit less resistance. Overall, both switches offer light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for various typing preferences, though the small differences could influence individual choices.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Neptune offers a more pronounced keypress compared to the Yunhai, which could appeal to users who prefer a deeper and potentially more tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Yunhai may be better suited for gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for less distance to travel when pressing a key. Ultimately, if you favor a more responsive feel, the Yunhai might be the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Neptune's longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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.
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 Neptune switch stands out with its low-pitched, muted, and thocky tones. It creates a soothing auditory experience that blends deep, bass-heavy notes with a soft, subdued profile, making it appealing for both quiet environments and personal use. The thocky nature of the sound provides a satisfying auditory feedback when the keys are pressed, much like a soft knock or thud. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch remains a bit of an enigma concerning its sound profile as specific descriptors have not been provided. Given the Neptune's thocky and muted qualities, it can be inferred that the Yunhai might offer a more subtle and satisfying tone as well, although the exact nature is unknown.
In terms of tactile feel, the TTC Neptune switch excels with its buttery, frictionless operation that promises a seamless typing experience. This switch embodies a unique springy resistance akin to chewy mochi, delivering a sensation that’s both soft and engaging. Its buttery quality implies that typists will experience a smooth and fluid keystroke without any hindrance, while the gummy aspect adds a fun bounce at the bottom of the stroke. The Yunhai switch, while its specific characteristics are not described, is characterized by an incredibly light actuation force which typically results in a gentle touch, suggesting it might be similarly effortless in feel. While the qualities may differ, both switches aim to provide a user-friendly typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Neptune switch offers a distinguished sound profile with its muted and thocky characteristics, alongside a remarkably smooth and engaging typing feel. The TTC Yunhai switch promises a light and easy actuation that may resonate with those who appreciate a subtle typing experience, though further details about its sound and tactile qualities remain unspecified. Overall, if you're seeking ultra-light switches with unique auditory and tactile experiences, either choice would lean towards ensuring a pleasant and efficient typing journey, although the Neptune may offer a bit more in terms of auditory satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the TTC Neptune and the TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing. If you enjoy a typing experience that feels effortless and smooth, with a distinctive thocky sound, the Neptune is an excellent choice. Its unique structure provides a frictionless glide complemented by a moderately cushioned bottoming out sensation, making it particularly appealing for those who favor a soft and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, warmer sound profile with a wonderfully light actuation force that still offers an effortless typing experience, the Yunhai may be more in line with your tastes. Its rounded acoustic characteristics and gentle tactile response cater perfectly to users who appreciate quieter, yet fulfilling keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches deliver a lightweight experience, so picking the one that resonates with your desired auditory and tactile sensations will enhance your typing pleasure significantly.
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