TTC Silent Red vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for the perfect switch may find themselves torn between the TTC Silent Red and the HMX Xinhai. On one hand, the Silent Red offers a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. The switch provides a consistent feel from top to bottom, along with a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort. In contrast, the Xinhai switch boasts a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Its blend of sophistication and performance sets it apart in the world of mechanical switches. However, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help users make a more informed decision on which switch best suits their typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the HMX Xinhai share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches leverage polycarbonate's stiffness to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing feature. However, while the Silent Red and Xinhai both have nylon bottom housings, they differ in the sound profile they create. The Silent Red's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing the softness of nylon and its ability to absorb sound. In contrast, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder and duller sound, showcasing how housing materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Despite the similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the TTC Silent Red and HMX Xinhai showcase distinct differences in their bottom housing materials. The Silent Red's nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, highlighting the impact of softer plastics on sound absorption. In contrast, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing generates a rounder and duller sound, showcasing a different approach to leveraging nylon in switch design. These differences in bottom housing materials demonstrate how variations in housing materials can significantly influence the overall sound and feel of a switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on a switch, it is important to recognize how the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, manufacturers can fine-tune the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. This nuanced approach to housing materials allows for subtle variations in sound and feel, catering to the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter of the two. The actuation force of the Xinhai is 37 grams, while the Silent Red requires 45 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Xinhai also requires less force at 45 grams compared to the Silent Red's 63.5 grams. This makes the Xinhai a lighter option overall, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a different typing feel, so users can choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier key presses.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we see that the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm while the Xinhai has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has the shorter travel distance, making it slightly more responsive for users who prefer quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth for a more tactile typing experience. Gamers may lean towards the Xinhai for its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more substance to their key presses may opt for the Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 Red switch offers a muted experience, perfect for those looking to minimize noise in shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a crisp and clacky sound that adds a touch of character to your typing sessions. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the environment in which the keyboard will be used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Silent Red switch boasts a buttery and polished keystroke experience, providing a smooth and consistent typing sensation from top to bottom. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, giving users a spring-like feedback and a silky typing experience. Both switches aim to enhance comfort and typing efficiency, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and HMX Xinhai switches each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Silent Red excels in providing a muted and uniform typing experience, the Xinhai stands out with its crisp and lively feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that will enhance your daily workflow and gaming sessions alike.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, quiet typing experience, the Silent Red would be your ideal choice, especially for office or shared living spaces. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch with a unique acoustics profile for a crisp, higher-pitched sound, the Xinhai would be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you're looking for.
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