HMX Game1989 vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of different types. The HMX 1989 linear switch stands out in the realm of gaming keyboards, renowned for its deep and thocky feedback, which offers a smooth keystroke experience ideal for rapid gameplay and dynamic typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a satisfying rounded tactile bump, delivering a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance. The Silent Brown is particularly valued for its muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those in shared spaces or quieter environments. While the HMX 1989 allows for swift and uninterrupted key presses, perfect for those who prioritize speed, the Silent Brown offers a balance of tactile feedback and noise reduction, catering to typists who appreciate a more pronounced feel without excessive sound. 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the TTC Silent Brown share a striking similarity in their top housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material significantly influences their sound profiles, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for enhanced resonance, making the sound produced by these switches particularly pronounced. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate not only serves a functional purpose by enhancing RGB lighting visibility but also adds an aesthetically pleasing element for users who prioritize visual effects in their keyboard builds. Consequently, users will likely enjoy a similar auditory profile when using either switch due to the shared characteristics of polycarbonate.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ between the HMX 1989 and the TTC Silent Brown, with both utilizing nylon. This material choice inherently affects the depth and fullness of the sound produced upon key press, resulting in a deeper and rounder auditory signature. As nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, creating a more subdued bottom-out sound, which enhances the typing experience by offering a softer and more comfortable feel. While the top housing of each switch contributes to the clarity and resonance of sound when a key is released, the nylon bottom housing plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall audibility during the key press itself.
Overall, both the HMX 1989 and the TTC Silent Brown offer a compelling combination of materials that maximize the strengths of each element. Users can expect a similar high-pitched sound profile during the release due to the polycarbonate top, while the nylon bottom provides a distinct contrast with its fuller sound during the key press. This cohesive blending of materials allows for a well-rounded typing experience, where both the clarity of the top housing and the warmth of the bottom housing complement each other. As a result, switching between these two keyboards may yield a consistent experience that appeals to a variety of user preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find both similarities and differences that may influence user preference based on typing or gaming habits. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users can expect a similar ease of triggering keystrokes with either switch, making both suitable for prolonged typing sessions. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly; the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the TTC Silent Brown features a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This difference indicates that while both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, the TTC Silent Brown demands more force when pressed all the way down, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer. Hence, those seeking a lighter feel for extended use may gravitate towards the HMX 1989, while others who appreciate a stronger push may find the TTC Silent Brown more appealing.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm means that the HMX 1989 provides a more pronounced keypress, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper tactile feedback when typing. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown's shorter travel distance may benefit gamers or users who prioritize quicker actuation and response times, making it a good choice for fast-paced scenarios. Therefore, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the HMX 1989 would be the better option, whereas if you're looking for enhanced responsiveness, the TTC Silent Brown would suit your needs well.
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 Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 known for its deep, thocky profile, offering a satisfying auditory experience especially favored in gaming environments. This switch delivers a pronounced sound that resonates with each keystroke, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more robust acoustics during their typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch features a muted sound profile, designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The quieter operation of the Silent Brown allows for a more discreet typing experience, which is particularly beneficial in shared or quiet environments where noise levels need to be kept low.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized by its smooth action, allowing for seamless key travel without any tactile feedback. This linear sensation is perfect for those who prefer an uninterrupted, gliding experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with its light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. This tactile feedback ensures that users can feel the actuation point without a loud click, which can make typing enjoyable and precise while still being approachable for most users. The buttery, mild, and polished characteristics of the Silent Brown contribute to a refined typing sensation, elevating the experience for casual and professional utilization alike.
Overall, while the HMX 1989 linear switch excels in providing a thocky sound and smooth key press ideal for gamers, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch distinguishes itself with a muted acoustics and a tactile feedback design. Those who prefer an immersive auditory experience may gravitate towards the 1989, while those seeking a softer, quieter approach will find the Silent Brown appealing. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences as a typist or gamer. If you are looking for a switch that delivers a smooth, soft keystroke experience with a medium-light actuation force, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a deeper thock sound for that satisfying auditory feedback during gaming sessions. This switch is ideal for fast-paced gaming, where rapid key presses and smooth transitions are essential. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown is the way to go. Offering a medium-heavy force combined with a pleasant tactile bump, it is well-suited for those who spend long hours typing and desire a more refined and polished feel without disturbing others with clacky noises. In essence, consider how you engage with your keyboard—whether for gaming thrills or extended typing sessions—as this will guide you in making the right choice between these two distinct yet compelling options.
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