TTC Silent Brown vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX Xinhai. The Silent Brown offers a tactile typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai provides a linear typing experience with a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctive, higher-pitched resonance, offering a precise and sophisticated typing 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX Xinhai, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is also beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for enhanced lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual appeal from both the Silent Brown and Xinhai switches.
However, a notable difference between the Silent Brown and HMX Xinhai lies in their choice of bottom housing material. The Silent Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, leading to a more muted and rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on producing a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the different top housing materials, both switches offer a consistent typing experience due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the TTC Silent Brown and HMX Xinhai switches offers a unique balance of sound profiles and typing experiences. While the top housing material influences the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether users prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile from polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound profile from nylon, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is lighter in both aspects. The Silent Brown has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams, making it require a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke. The bottom out force of the Silent Brown is also heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Xinhai only requires 45 grams of force to fully press down. This means that the Xinhai switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, ideal for those who prefer less resistance during extended use. However, the Silent Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, perfect for those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Xinhai being the lighter option and the Silent Brown being the heavier option for those seeking a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. The Silent Brown offers a slightly longer distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keypress. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 $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 Silent Brown switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, adding a distinctive element to your typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on whether you prefer a softer or more pronounced sound when typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Silent Brown switch is often described as buttery, mild, and polished, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, with a spring-like feedback and a smooth, silky typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile sensations that can greatly impact your typing experience, so it's important to consider whether you prefer a more subtle or lively feel when selecting a switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Brown and HMX Xinhai switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Silent Brown provides a muted and buttery typing experience, the Xinhai offers a clacky and bouncy sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing. If you enjoy a quieter, smoother typing experience, the Silent Brown may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a more pronounced and lively typing feel, the Xinhai switch could be the perfect option. Both switches offer high-quality performance, so you can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of your selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a switch with a softer acoustics profile, distinctively crisp resonance, and a lighter bottom out force, the Xinhai may be the better option. Consider your preference for resistance, sound profile, and typing feel when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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