TTC Brother vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to individual typing preferences, with options like the TTC Brother and the HMX Deep Navy standing at opposite ends of the spectrum. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, is revered for its tactile feedback and lightweight actuation force of just 37g, providing an engaging typing experience that excites enthusiasts with its crunchy sound signature and pronounced tactile bump. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback, as the crisp sounds enhance the overall typing experience and make each keystroke feel rewarding. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy offers a linear switch experience, prioritizing smoothness and a quiet operation. With its full nylon construction and Ly stem, the Deep Navy provides a seamless keystroke devoid of tactile interruptions, appealing to users who favor a more understated and fluid typing motion, ideal for both gaming and long typing sessions. While the Brother beckons to those who love the distinct sound and feel of clicky switches, the Deep Navy caters to the need for silence and smooth action. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
17.5mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Deep Navy, we see distinct differences between the top housings, while the bottom housings share similarities. The TTC Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure contributes to a more resonant and crisp audio experience, making it particularly advantageous for setups with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory sensation, which appeals to users seeking a more muted typing experience.
On the bottom housing side, both the TTC Brother and HMX Deep Navy utilize nylon, a classic and versatile switch housing material. This shared use of nylon leads to similar acoustic qualities, where the deeper and fuller sound produced is influenced by the material's ability to absorb sound. As the bottom housing tends to impact the overall typing feel and bottom-out sound, users can expect a consistent experience between the two switches in this aspect. The similarities in bottom housing material effectively unify the tactile and auditory response, regardless of the distinctions present in their top housings.
Overall, while the TTC Brother's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper sound profile driven by its stiffer design, the HMX Deep Navy's nylon top results in a softer, more rounded sound. However, with both switches employing nylon in their bottom housings, users will find that the fundamental typing experience retains a degree of similarity, especially in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback. Whether one prefers the sharper clarity of the Brother or the deeper tones of the Deep Navy, both options can yield satisfying results, highlighting how the interplay between materials affects the overall performance of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The Brother switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, whereas the Deep Navy's bottom out force is 45 grams, indicating that this switch requires a firmer press to register a full keystroke. Ultimately, the Brother switch's lighter actuation force may provide a more effortless typing experience, while the Deep Navy’s heavier characteristics cater to those who favor a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we find that the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Deep Navy measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the Brother switch provides a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers who seek quicker response times. On the other hand, the Deep Navy, with its greater travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances is minimal, but those who favor responsiveness would lean towards the Brother switch, while those who appreciate a deeper actuation might gravitate toward the Deep Navy.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch possesses a distinctly crunchy audio profile that resonates well with those who appreciate clicky switches. This sound can be reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, producing a satisfying auditory feedback that punctuates each keystroke. The sharp clarity of the Brother's sound signature enhances the overall typing experience, making each click feel more engaging. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, which leaves it open to speculation. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
With respect to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing an easy-to-press experience, requiring only a gentle 37g of actuation force. This lightweight touch makes it effortless to engage with the switch while typing, significantly reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, the Brother features a stepped tactile bump, offering a clear yet mild feedback that provides a satisfying distinction between the pre-travel and post-travel stages of its keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch's feel characteristics remain unknown, leaving users curious about how it compares in terms of smoothness and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch boasts an engaging sound and a delightful tactile feel that caters to those who enjoy a classical typing experience with pronounced feedback and minimal actuation force. While the Deep Navy linear switch remains a mystery in terms of sound and feel, its full nylon construction suggests a focus on smoothness and durability. As such, users can expect a notable divergence in experience between the two types, with the Brother appealing more to clicky switch enthusiasts while the Deep Navy may attract those who prefer a linear and potentially quieter typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and auditory pleasure of a clicky switch, especially for typing or gaming, the Brother's lightweight nature, combined with its easy-to-press mechanism, makes it an excellent choice for users who want an engaging and energetic experience without the burden of heavy key presses. Its distinct crunchiness adds a delightful dimension to each keystroke, making every interaction with your keyboard feel satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with consistent key presses, the Deep Navy's light 45-gram bottom-out force and silky-smooth actuation may suit you better. This switch is ideal for gamers or typists who seek a more fluid response without any tactile interruptions, enhancing performance during long sessions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize the engaging feedback of clicky switches or the seamless glide of linear options, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your unique needs.
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