HMX Canglan V2 vs. TTC Gold Silver

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable linear options to consider are the HMX Canglan V2 and the TTC Gold Silver. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and a uniquely smooth, light feel, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a deep auditory experience while typing. Its thoughtful construction and advanced molding techniques contribute to a satisfying keystroke that many users find irresistible. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver excels in rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel distance that delivers a decisive bottom-out with each press. The precision of this switch is complemented by a resonant sound that signals swift action, making it a perfect option for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing. While both switches offer distinct advantages, one leaning towards an immersive sound experience and the other towards performance and precision, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the TTC Gold Silver, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing's construction. The Canglan V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon’s relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Gold Silver's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetics, particularly for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through more effectively, adding visual appeal.

Looking at the bottom housing, both switches share the same material—nylon—which has inherent properties that lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon composition in both the Canglan V2 and Gold Silver ensures that the typing experience is consistent regarding the bottom-out sound and feel. The soft nature of nylon effectively absorbs sound waves, mitigating any harsher auditory feedback. This shared characteristic means that while the top housings may produce different sound profiles, the bottom housings anchor both switches with a similar resonant quality, yielding a satisfying typing experience.

Overall, the blend of nylon and polycarbonate in these two switches results in distinct sound profiles influenced by the interplay of the different materials. The Canglan V2's nylon top housing creates a muted yet rich sound ambiance, while the Gold Silver's polycarbonate brings forth clarity and sharpness. Despite the contrasting top materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing guarantees a similar depth to the overall typing experience. Therefore, even with their differences, users may find that both switches provide a fulfilling experience, with the bottom-out sound being an anchor that ties their auditory qualities together.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, we see some distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Canglan V2 has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter option, which can be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that those who prefer a more substantial feel in their typing experience may find the Gold Silver more appealing. However, the bottom out force for the TTC Gold Silver is unknown, making a comprehensive comparison of the two switches more challenging. Without this information, we cannot ascertain how the bottom out experiences differ. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Canglan V2 is the better choice, while the Gold Silver offers a heavier feel but lacks complete data on bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience an identical travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will yield similar results in terms of how far they need to be pressed to register a key press, providing a consistent tactile experience for typists and gamers alike.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is known for its thocky character, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying audio profile each time a key is pressed. That "thud" or soft "knock" resonates well, creating an immersive experience for typists who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch features a resonant sound signature that harmonizes with its focus on rapid responsiveness. While it shares a notion of a satisfying bottom-out sound, its characteristics are more neutral and low-pitched, which blend well into various environments, making it adaptable whether you’re at home or in the office.

When considering the feel, the Canglan V2 switch is celebrated for its smooth and light touch that enhances the typing experience, though specifics about its feel are less detailed. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver is finished with a polished quality, resulting in incredibly smooth key travel, alongside a silky texture that minimizes resistance. This switch is described as having a mild and subtle resistance, making it approachable for users who favor a gentle typing experience. The combination of the polished and silky attributes ensures that every keystroke feels seamless, leading to a satisfying overall feel.

In conclusion, both the HMX Canglan V2 and TTC Gold Silver linear switches present unique strengths. The Canglan V2 caters to those who cherish a thocky sound and a refined typing sensation, while the Gold Silver shines as a responsive and smooth option with its polished finish. Although they differ in their auditory and tactile qualities, both switches can provide satisfying keystrokes, making them appealing choices depending on personal preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a lighter touch and a more pronounced sound profile, the Canglan V2 may be the right pick for you. Its thocky sound signature, coupled with its smooth and light feel, offers a delightful typing experience that can enhance your overall keyboard interaction, particularly if you enjoy a deeper auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if speed and responsiveness are paramount for your typing style, then the TTC Gold Silver would serve you well. Its polished and silky performance, combined with a quick bottom-out action, makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize rapid input and a seamless typing experience. Additionally, its mild and subtle characteristics ensure that you can use it comfortably in various environments without overwhelming your surroundings. In essence, your decision should align with what you value more in your typing experience—be it sound and tactile feedback or speed and smoothness.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more