HMX 1989 vs. TTC Gold Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing and gaming experience. The HMX 1989, a linear switch, is revered for its deep thocky sound and silky smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch embodies a more balanced feel, characterized by a gentle tactile bump that provides just enough feedback without being overly pronounced. This makes it a great option for users who appreciate a tactile sensation while typing but still desire a smoother experience than what a clicky switch offers. The Gold Brown's rounded sound profile adds to its appeal, keeping noise to a minimum while delivering a satisfying performance. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your preferences, with the 1989 excelling in silence and fluidity, while the Gold Brown promises a mild tactile feedback and comfort. 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 1989 Linear

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the HMX 1989 and TTC Gold Brown switches are notably similar, primarily due to their identical construction involving polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the material's stiffness, allowing for a more clear and resonant output. Additionally, both switches showcase a translucent design, making them well-suited for RGB lighting applications. Thus, when it comes to aesthetics and sound characteristics, users of the HMX 1989 and TTC Gold Brown can expect similar results due to the shared properties of the polycarbonate top housing.

When we turn our attention to the bottom housing of both switches, we see that the HMX 1989 and TTC Gold Brown feature nylon. This classic material is recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is vital when discussing the feel of a switch during use. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. With this complement of housings—soft nylon below and stiff polycarbonate above—both switches are able to provide a balanced auditory experience tailored to the needs of users who appreciate sound nuance in their mechanical switches.

In summary, the HMX 1989 and TTC Gold Brown switches exhibit a consistent auditory profile and tactile feedback due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom housings. The impact of each material is felt in different aspects of the switch’s performance; the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound profile when a key is released, while the nylon bottom housing shapes the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. Users can therefore expect a harmonious blend of sharpness and fullness from both switches, confirming that the housing materials, though employed in separate regions of the switch, combine to create a cohesive typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown has a firmer actuation force of 55 grams and a higher bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium range. This difference indicates that the HMX 1989 is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown’s heavier force provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push sensation while typing. In summary, the HMX 1989 offers lighter actuation and bottom out forces compared to the TTC Gold Brown, which may influence user preference depending on their typing style and comfort.

Travel distance

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys of both switches, as they require the same distance to activate. Consequently, whether you're using the HMX 1989 or the TTC Gold Brown, you'll experience similar results in terms of key travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience across both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX 1989 switch is marked by its deep and thocky resonance, which is particularly appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown switch produces a neutral sound, characterized by a rounded, softer sound profile. This makes the Gold Brown a versatile choice suitable for both casual and professional environments. While the HMX 1989 is likely to stand out with its impactful sound, the Gold Brown offers a more subdued auditory experience that won't disturb those around you, making it a prudent option for office settings.

When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch is known for providing a rich and immersive typing experience, likely with its own unique nuances that resonate well with users who prefer a tactile response. The TTC Gold Brown, on the other hand, is described as mild and buttery, ensuring a smooth keystroke that maintains an accessible and gentle typing experience. The tactile feedback from the Gold Brown is present but not overwhelming, providing just enough accent to satisfy those who appreciate tactile switches without venturing into the realm of the overly aggressive. This quality makes the Gold Brown ideal for those who desire a comfortable balance between tactile sensation and smoothness.

In summary, the HMX 1989 linear switch excels in providing a thocky and defined sound experience, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a more neutral and softer sound profile, making it versatile for various settings. The feel of the HMX 1989 is immersive and engaging, contrasting with the smooth, mild, and polished characteristics of the Gold Brown, which targets users looking for a refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both can deliver satisfactory results based on their defined qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience that allows for unhindered key presses—ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing—you may want to lean towards the HMX 1989 linear switch. Its medium-light 53-gram actuation force makes it forgiving for rapid inputs, and its thocky sound profile adds a satisfying element to your keystrokes without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you value a balanced typing experience with just a hint of tactile feedback, the TTC Gold Brown would be a better choice. The 63-gram actuation force gives it a moderate weightiness, while its mild, buttery feel ensures smooth key travel that won’t tire you out over longer typing sessions. This makes the Gold Brown particularly well-suited for office environments or mixed-use scenarios where both typing and casual gaming are involved. By weighing these factors, you can select the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX 1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more