TTC Silent Brown vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the TTC Silent Brown and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present two distinct yet appealing options. The TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its comfortable typing experience, featuring a light to medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump that provides feedback without being overly distracting. Its muted sound profile is particularly appealing for those who prefer a quieter workspace or enjoy late-night typing sessions without disturbing others. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a linear switch, offers a heavier and more robust typing feel. With its unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and POM stem for a crisp and higher-pitched resonance, this switch combines subtle sophistication with precise performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. Both switches have their own strengths: the Silent Brown caters to those seeking tactile feedback with minimal noise, while the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a refined linear experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced bottoming out. 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 Silent Brown Tactile

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches present a distinct contrast in their top housings while finding common ground in their bottom housings. The Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly well-suited for environments where clear audio feedback is crucial. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which has a softer and more absorptive nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, often perceived as warmer compared to the sharper clarity of the polycarbonate. The aesthetic choice in the Silent Brown's clear polycarbonate housing also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding to its visual appeal, whereas the Xinhai's nylon housing, typically opaque, delivers a more subdued lighting experience.

However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, with both the Silent Brown and Xinhai (Heavy) employing nylon materials. This agreement emphasizes a deeper sound profile that users can expect when bottoming out the keys. Nylon's softer texture absorbs sound, mitigating sharpness and delivering a rounder auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. While the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing supports the full, rich sound associated with nylon, it is complemented by the sharper response of the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai accentuates its deeper timbre, ensuring that both switches maintain a consistent acoustic character through the tactile experience felt during keypresses.

Ultimately, the diverging materials in the top housings of the Silent Brown and the Xinhai (Heavy) allow for distinct sound profiles, catering to different user preferences. The polycarbonate top of the Silent Brown is optimal for those who prefer a snappy and bright feedback, particularly beneficial when coupled with RGB lighting. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Xinhai offers a mellow experience that enhances the deep sound signature appreciated by users who prefer a more soothing and rounded auditory experience. Despite these differences, the similar nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will yield satisfactory performance for typists seeking a rich, resonant output, demonstrating how different combinations of materials can be used to achieve complementary results in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Silent Brown features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option ideal for those seeking a balance between tactile feedback and a softer touch. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, but a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that while the Xinhai requires more force to initially trigger a keystroke, it does not bottom out as heavily compared to the Silent Brown. Consequently, the Silent Brown can be considered the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer less resistance for longer typing sessions, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) will provide a more pronounced feeling of weight, better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Silent Brown features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Silent Brown the longer option, providing a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile response. In contrast, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation and a more immediate reaction time. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those favoring depth in their keystrokes may gravitate towards the Silent Brown, while those looking for a snappier response might opt for the Xinhai (Heavy).

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is noted for its muted quality, producing a softer and quieter experience that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where sound levels need to be kept low, providing a more discreet typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a unique PA12 top housing designed for softer acoustics. While specific sound descriptors for the Xinhai Heavy are not provided, it is designed to offer a higher-pitched resonance due to its POM stem, likely resulting in a less muted sound profile but one that maintains a refined and sophisticated resonance.

In terms of feel, the Silent Brown switch is characterized by a smooth, buttery motion, which provides a seamless keystroke experience thanks to its light-medium resistance. Additionally, it offers a mild and polished sensation that appeals to users who prefer a more gentle and refined typing experience. The tactile bump, while satisfying, does not overpower the overall fluidity, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Xinhai (Heavy) are less defined, but with its solid construction, it may provide a robust and responsive feel. Due to the lack of specific descriptors for the Xinhai's feel, one can anticipate a potentially different typing sensation, possibly leaning towards a firmer resistance given its designation as "heavy."

In summary, both the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Silent Brown excels with its muted sound and polished, buttery tactile experience, making it ideal for quieter settings. The Xinhai (Heavy), though lacking specific descriptors, promises a sophisticated sound profile and durable feel. Users can expect a spectrum of experiences between these two switches, and a careful choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound levels and tactile feedback in typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences, typing style, and the environment in which you typically use your keyboard. If you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile response and require a quieter operation, the Silent Brown is your go-to option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, combined with its muted sound profile, makes it ideal for quieter settings, such as an office or shared space, where minimal noise is essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and fluid keystroke without distractions from any tactile bump, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch would be more suitable for you. With its slightly lighter actuation force of 62.5 grams and unique acoustic design, it brings a polished and refined typing experience that excels in gaming and fast-paced tasks where rapid key presses are necessary. Therefore, consider the context of your usage and your typing preferences to make the best choice between these two excellent switches.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

Learn more