HMX Game1989 vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience, especially when comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deeply satisfying thocky sound profile, delivering an immersive feel that many gamers and typists appreciate for its responsiveness and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro caters to those who prefer a more nuanced approach, featuring a gentle tactile bump that allows for a subtle yet enjoyable feedback without being overly disruptive. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a quiet and focused typing environment. While the HMX 1989 excels in providing a robust and pronounced keystroke experience, the Gold Brown Pro prioritizes understated tactility, enabling users to engage deeply with their work. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the TTC Gold Brown Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly contributes to their sound profile and performance characteristics. The shared use of polycarbonate leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the material's stiffer properties. This rigidity allows for a clearer resonance that enhances auditory feedback when typing. Both switch types utilize the translucency of polycarbonate to their advantage, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting, as this material allows for better light diffusion and visibility. Whether using the HMX 1989 or the TTC Gold Brown Pro, users can expect a similar acoustic experience due to this consistent housing material.
Diving deeper into the materials used for the bottom housings, the HMX 1989 and the TTC Gold Brown Pro both incorporate nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its sound-dampening properties. Nylon's relatively softer plastic composition absorbs more sound compared to the rigidity of polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic creates a richer acoustic experience that contrasts with the higher-pitched tones produced by the top housing. As both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housing, the resulting tactile feedback and auditory quality when bottoming out will feel consistently rounded and muted across both switches.
While both the HMX 1989 and CVS Gold Brown Pro showcase similar materials in their construction, the different roles of the top and bottom housings emphasize their unique contributions to the overall switch performance. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the higher frequency sounds released on key release, while the nylon bottom housing predominantly influences the sounds and feel when the switch is bottomed out. This division of acoustic properties means that even though the materials are identical, users can experience a nuanced blend of sound profiles that highlight each housing's strengths, ultimately leading to an enjoyable typing experience whether opting for the HMX 1989 or the Gold Brown Pro.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch exhibit some similarities and differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, providing a comparable typing experience in terms of keystroke activation. However, the bottom out force for the HMX 1989 is 53 grams, indicating that it has a slightly heavier feel when pressed all the way down compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro, which lacks a specified bottom out force. This absence in the Gold Brown Pro's specification makes it difficult to fully assess its bottoming out experience. Overall, the HMX 1989 switch is the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, while both switches' actuation forces are the same, allowing for a similar typing feel at the point of activation. For users who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the 45-gram actuation force of both might appeal; however, the HMX 1989’s additional bottom out weight introduces a more substantial feedback for those who prefer a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The HMX 1989 has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls into the traditional range, offering a deeper and more satisfying keypress for users who appreciate a hearty feel. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, appealing to those who may prefer a more responsive typing experience. While the Gold Brown Pro's travel distance is slightly shorter, both switches can still produce relatively similar tactile feedback; however, the HMX 1989 will feel more substantial due to its greater distance. If you favor speed and quick responsiveness, the Gold Brown Pro would be a better choice, while the HMX 1989 is ideal for users who value a fuller keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep, resonant "thock" that offers a rich auditory experience with each keystroke. Its acoustic profile is characterized as bass-heavy and mellow, which likely translates into a satisfying and immersive soundscape that can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy that deep sound. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a much more subdued sound profile. While it still produces a keystroke sound, its low-pitched and neutral characteristics create a keyboard experience that is whisper-soft, making it ideal for environments where noise control is important. The Gold Brown Pro allows users to type quietly without drawing attention, but it lacks the pronounced audio signature of the 1989.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch provides a smooth and steady typing experience that is free from tactile feedback, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes, which many users may find desirable for fast-paced gaming or typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is designed for typists who appreciate subtle feedback in their keystrokes. Its polished and silky feel leads to a highly refined typing experience, reducing friction and allowing for effortless key presses. With its mild and subtle characteristics, it caters to those who prefer a gentle yet noticeable tactile sensation without being overwhelming, making it approachable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, while both switches offer unique qualities tailored to different preferences, the HMX 1989 linear switch delivers a rich auditory and smooth tactile experience, ideal for users seeking depth and immersion in sound and a seamless feel. Meanwhile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels in environments requiring understated auditory feedback while maintaining a gentle tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should align with your typing style and environment; if you prioritize sound and a satisfying feel, the 1989 is favored, while for a more subtle, quieter option, the Gold Brown Pro stands out.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing scenarios will play a pivotal role. If you gravitate towards a typing experience that offers smooth and consistent keystrokes with a medium-light bottom-out force, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing sessions where you want each action to be fluid and responsive. Its thocky sound profile provides a deep, satisfying acoustic feedback, making it a fulfilling option for those who enjoy a rich auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more nuanced and subtle tactile feedback that doesn’t distract you during typing, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a gentle tactile bump, makes it ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in their tasks without the overwhelming presence of pronounced feedback. This switch is particularly well-suited for office environments or shared spaces due to its minimal sound output, allowing you to focus without disrupting others. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize seamless, linear motion or the understated tactile sensation—both switches offer unique benefits to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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