HMX Canglan V2 vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, with options like the HMX Canglan V2 and the TTC Gold Red Pro representing two intriguing yet distinct paths. The Canglan V2 has been lauded for its deep, thocky sound profile and light, smooth keystrokes, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts who relish a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility and ease of use, delivering a balanced, neutral sound signature that seamlessly accommodates a variety of typing environments—from gaming marathons to professional office work. While the Canglan V2 offers a unique thocky feel that caters to those seeking richness in sound, the Gold Red Pro shines with its adaptability, ensuring that all users can enjoy a pleasant typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the TTC Gold Red Pro, the most notable distinction lies in the type of plastic used for the top housing. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder audio experience. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate lead to a more pronounced resonance, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback while using their keyboard.
Both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material, highlighting an area of similarity between the two products. Nylon’s softer properties remain constant in both cases, contributing to a consistent deeper and fuller sound. When typing on either switch, users will notice that the bottom housing significantly impacts the tactile feel and bottom-out sound of the keystroke. This shared characteristic results in a consistent, satisfying typing experience, ensuring that despite the differences in top housing material, there is a familiar audio profile when pressing the keys down.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch determines the overall sound profile and typing experience. While the Canglan V2 utilizes nylon on both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a warmer sound, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing coupled with a nylon bottom creates a dichotomy in sound between the actuation and the release. The differences generate unique auditory experiences that cater to various preferences, yet the nylon bottom housing ties both switches together through a consistent base of depth and fullness in sound. As such, users can expect a blend of resonant clarity from the Gold Red Pro while appreciating the rich sound signature offered by the Canglan V2.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Canglan V2 features a lightweight actuation force of 42 grams, whereas the Gold Red Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. This makes the Canglan V2 the lighter option, which may be more suitable for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Canglan V2 has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a firm tactile feedback when the switch is fully pressed down. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unavailable, leaving uncertainty about how it compares to the Canglan V2. Therefore, users who appreciate a lighter typing experience may gravitate toward the Canglan V2, while those seeking a more substantial push feel might lean towards the Gold Red Pro, contingent on its eventual bottom out force specification.
Travel distance
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the shorter of the two options, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers may prefer for quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro offers a deeper travel distance, which some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, if you favor a swifter response, the Canglan V2 is the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a more substantial keypress, the Gold Red Pro would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
The sound profile of the HMX Canglan V2 switch is characterized by a deep and thocky quality that enthusiasts have come to appreciate. When pressed, it offers a rich, bass-heavy note that delivers a satisfying auditory experience, likening it to a soft knock or deep thud upon actuation. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro maintains a more neutral sound signature, striking a balance between being neither too pronounced nor overly muted. This versatility makes it adaptable to a variety of environments, whether in a gaming setup or a professional office. Users can expect a pleasant auditory experience from both switches, though the Canglan V2 leans more towards a distinct, thocky resonance, while the Gold Red Pro remains unobtrusive and subtle.
In terms of feel, the Canglan V2 switch is celebrated for its light and smooth actuation, providing an effortless typing experience that allows for extended use without fatigue. However, specific details about its tactile feedback remain unspecified, making it challenging to pinpoint how it compares to other offerings in the market. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro is meticulously designed to deliver a polished, silky smooth feel. Its mild resistance makes for a gentle typing experience that is friendly to users of all preferences. The smoothness and subtlety of this switch contribute to a comfortable and engaging typing session, setting it apart as a versatile choice for various typing needs.
In conclusion, both the HMX Canglan V2 and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Canglan V2 provides a deep, thocky sound coupled with a smooth, light feel, ideal for those seeking a more pronounced auditory signature. The Gold Red Pro, with its neutral sound and polished, silky feel, is an excellent go-to for users who prioritize adaptability and comfort in various settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences, especially regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both present excellent options for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a light typing experience with a delightfully deep, thocky sound characteristic, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. Its light 48-gram bottom-out force and smooth action provide a unique tactile pleasure that enthusiasts love, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Conversely, if versatility and subtlety are more your speed, then the TTC Gold Red Pro is the way to go. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a neutral sound profile, allows for a seamless typing experience adaptable to various settings, whether that's for work, gaming, or casual typing. Overall, your choice should reflect what you prioritize: opt for the Canglan V2 for a richer auditory experience with nuanced feedback or the Gold Red Pro for a universally pleasing performance that blends seamlessly into any environment.
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