HMX Swift vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference often dictates the best fit for a user’s typing style and sound preference. The HMX Swift and TTC Yunhai are both linear switches that cater to different experiences. The Swift is renowned for its deeper sound profile, thanks to its full nylon housings, and provides a silky smoothness with a delicate 42g actuation force, making it feel light and easy to press—a sensation described as clacky, feathery, and bouncy. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a unique typing experience characterized by a similarly deep sound but with an even lighter actuation force that enhances their gentle, effortless feel, making them ideal for typists who prefer a smoother glide without straining their fingers. While both switches offer appealing features for users seeking a linear typing experience, their sound profiles and actuation forces set them apart in distinct ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Swift Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Swift and the TTC Yunhai share a notable similarity in their housing materials, both utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality allows both switches to produce a comparable sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. The nylon's inherent qualities, particularly its softness, contribute to its ability to absorb sound vibrations effectively. As a result, the typing experience on both switches is marked by a duller and rounder sound, likely leading users to experience similar auditory feedback during use. Such a design choice, rooted in the properties of nylon, makes both the Swift and Yunhai excellent options for those seeking a particular acoustic character in their keyboards.

While both switches employ nylon throughout, the impact of each housing component on the overall typing experience is nuanced. The bottom housing is primarily responsible for the feel of bottoming out, significantly influencing how the user perceives key presses. In both the HMX Swift and TTC Yunhai, the nylon bottom housing guarantees a solid and comfortable feel while simultaneously contributing to a subdued sound profile. Conversely, the top housing plays a more substantial role in the sound produced when releasing a key, underscoring the importance of the switch design in shaping overall user experience. Consequently, even with identical housing materials, the user's sensation and auditory feedback will still be shaped by how each switch manages the distribution of sound and feel between the top and bottom components.

Ultimately, both the HMX Swift and TTC Yunhai exemplify the advantages of using nylon in creating consistent and pleasing typing experiences. Despite their individual characteristics, the shared nylon material contributes to a deeper sound profile, making them relatively indistinguishable in terms of acoustic performance. Whether choosing the Swift or the Yunhai, users can expect similarly pleasant auditory feedback and tactile sensation due to the very nature of nylon's properties across both switches. This uniformity illustrates how material choices significantly impact user satisfaction in mechanical keyboard design, reaffirming nylon's reputation as a classic switch housing material.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Swift linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both switches exhibit identical specifications regarding actuation and bottom out forces. Each switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which classifies them as light switches. This similarity in force characteristics means that users will likely experience comparable keystroke responses and typing sensations with either switch, making them equally suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without excessive fatigue. Given that both switches have the same parameters, those who favor lighter switches for their subtler push feel will find both options equally appealing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Swift linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we can see a notable difference. The HMX Swift has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Yunhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Consequently, if you're seeking a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Yunhai offers a quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel while typing, the HMX Swift could be the better choice with its greater travel distance, providing a more tactile experience. Both options cater to different preferences in terms of response and depth, illustrating how personal choice dictates the ideal switch for an individual user’s typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Swift linear switch produces a deeper sound profile that stands out against the typically brighter tonality associated with linear switches. Its sound can be described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that resonates particularly well due to the full nylon housings. This characteristic creates a more substantial acoustic presence, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a unique deep and rounded sound profile, but specifics about its exact tonal qualities are not detailed. It's essential to remember that the sound produced by these switches can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycap material used.

When considering the feel, the HMX Swift's actuation force of 42g offers a silky smooth, easy-to-press sensation that is designed to minimize finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. This switch exhibits a feathery touch, requiring minimal effort to activate, making it particularly user-friendly. The feel is further complemented by a bouncy characteristic, which provides satisfying feedback on each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the Yunhai switches lacks detailed descriptors, leaving their tactile qualities somewhat unknown. However, it is suggested that their incredibly light actuation force contributes to a gentle and effortless typing experience.

In conclusion, both the HMX Swift and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to users seeking a smooth typing experience, albeit with some differences in sound and detailed tactile feedback. The Swift stands out with its deeper, clacky sound and responsive feel, while the Yunhai offers a distinct typing experience characterized by a light actuation force, though specifics remain unclear. Users can expect a comfortable typing experience with either switch, but if sound is a significant factor for you, the Swift may have the advantage with its richer acoustic signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches could come down to personal preference for sound profile versus the intrigue of the Yunhai's lighter touch, as you can achieve similarly effortless results with both.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Swift linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a deeper sound profile combined with a silky smooth actuation, the Swifts would be an excellent choice, especially since they offer a clacky auditory feedback that adds an enjoyable element to your typing experience. Additionally, their lightweight design and easy-to-press feel make them perfect for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue while maintaining a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle, rounded sound coupled with a remarkably light actuation force, the Yunhai switches may be more suited for you. Their unique typing experience is characterized by an effortless push, making them ideal for typists who prioritize comfort and ease of use. Ultimately, both switches cater to light pressure preferences, but your choice should hinge on whether you lean more towards a clacky, engaging sound with the Swifts or the soft, effortless touch of the Yunhai.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Swift Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more