TTC Speed Silver vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can be a game-changer for your typing experience. The TTC Speed Silver is ideal for users who prioritize speed and precision, featuring a light-medium resistance and a shorter travel distance that enables rapid actuation for fast-paced typing or gaming. Its neutral sound profile offers a clean auditory experience, making it a great option for those who want minimal distractions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more substantial feel with its unique PA12 top housing, which enhances the acoustics for a softer sound while still delivering a notably crisp resonance due to its POM stem. This makes it appealing for users who value both tactile feedback and an elegant auditory experience. Both switches cater to specific preferences: the Speed Silver for those seeking swiftness and the Xinhai (Heavy) for those who appreciate a more refined touch. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches illustrate a notable divergence in their top housing choices, significantly affecting the acoustic experience they provide. The Speed Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiff properties that yield a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinctive characteristic allows for a clear and resonant audio output, particularly beneficial for setups utilizing RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference illustrates how the choice of housing material directly influences the perceived sound characteristics of the switches.
Despite their contrasting top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in parallel auditory experiences when the switch is pressed. The nylon used in both the Speed Silver and Xinhai (Heavy) contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with a similar absorption of sound due to its softer composition. This commonality ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel during typing are relatively consistent across both switches. Consequently, while the top housing configurations define the initial sound when keys are released, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a cohesive foundation that influences the overall auditory experience produced by both switches when in use.
This divergence in top housing material and similarity in bottom housing creates a unique interplay when comparing the two switches. Users can expect the TTC Speed Silver to deliver a brighter and more distinct sound upon key release, thanks to the polycarbonate top, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) will offer a rounded and deeper release sound from its nylon top. However, both switches will share a common acoustic depth during the act of pressing down, stemming from their identical nylon bottom construction. Ultimately, users can achieve satisfying auditory results with either switch, tailored to their personal preferences for either a sharper or fuller sound profile during their typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present a distinct contrast in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences. The Speed Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a lighter option that is well-suited for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, aligning with those who appreciate a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Speed Silver is the lighter switch, while the Xinhai is the heavier option. This difference in force characteristics suggests that users will find a noticeably different feel between the two switches, with the Speed Silver providing a quicker and easier keystroke, while the Xinhai offers a more deliberate and robust feedback.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same key press depth when using either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable tactile feedback and response, making them equally effective for rapid key presses. As a result, users seeking a consistent feel and performance in their typing experience can confidently choose either switch without concern for differences in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 considering the sound profile of the TTC Speed Silver switch, users can expect a neutral acoustic experience. This balance makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or work, aligning well with a moderate actuation force that caters to both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, while the sound characteristics of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch are not explicitly detailed, it is worth noting that it is crafted with a PA12 top housing designed for a softer acoustic profile, complemented by a POM stem. This combination should deliver a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that adds a more distinct layer to the typing soundscape, though specifics on volume and characteristics are not provided.
In terms of feel, the Speed Silver shines with its mild and polished attributes. The mildness contributes to a gentle typing experience that is approachable for a broad spectrum of users, while the polished quality indicates a smooth, refined action with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. This results in an effortlessly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Xinhai (Heavy) are less clearly defined, leaving curiosity about its feel. The mention of its heavier nature could suggest a more pronounced resistance, potentially offering a different type of engagement for users, but specifics remain unknown.
In conclusion, both switches serve distinct typing preferences. The Speed Silver clearly excels with its neutral sound and mild yet polished feel, making it a versatile option for many. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, while less defined in sound and feel qualities, offers unique construction features that may cater to users seeking a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, you'll find that each switch provides a unique typing experience, and personal testing will help determine the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and use case. If you prioritize fast and precise actuation with a lightweight feel, the Speed Silver is your go-to option. Its lower actuation force of 55 grams and reduced travel distance make it ideal for rapid typing, gaming, or any scenario where speed is essential. This switch also features a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel, making it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience and don’t mind a bit more resistance, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its 62.5 grams bottom-out force, provides a satisfying feedback that may enhance your accuracy and typing comfort over extended use. Its unique acoustics and refined feel, courtesy of the PA12 housing and POM stem, cater to those who appreciate a crisp sound with a touch of sophistication. In summary, if speed and a lightweight feel are your top priorities, choose the Speed Silver; if you prefer a heavier, more tactile typing experience with sophisticated sound, opt for the Xinhai (Heavy).
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