HMX Canglan V2 vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact both performance and typing experience. The HMX Canglan V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound and silky smooth action, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quiet yet responsive keypress without the distraction of tactile feedback. Its thoughtfully engineered materials contribute to a satisfying auditory experience, appealing to enthusiasts who value both sound and feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch provides a tactile experience characterized by a gentle bump, allowing typists to receive discreet feedback without the loud clicks associated with traditional tactile switches. This makes the Silent Brown an excellent fit for office environments or shared spaces, where a muted sound profile can enhance concentration and productivity. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards the fluidity of linear switches or the tactile assurance of a tactile switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the TTC Silent Brown, one can observe distinct differences in their top housing compositions and the effects these have on the overall typing experience. The Canglan V2 utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its capacity to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic creates a rounded acoustic environment that is often preferred for its warmth during typing. In contrast, the Silent Brown switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, allowing for clearer resonance. Consequently, while the Canglan V2 contributes to a more subdued auditory experience, the Silent Brown emphasizes clarity and brightness, making the choice between the two largely subjective based on user preference for sound characteristics.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting convergence is apparent. Both the Canglan V2 and the Silent Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housing, thus ensuring a consistent base that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material that absorbs sound effectively, both switches will exhibit similar traits in terms of sound dampening and tactile feedback during bottom-out. This shared material choice in the bottom housing helps balance the overall acoustic signature of each switch, providing a warm and rounded feel as users cycle through their typing experience, irrespective of the material used in the top housing.

Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials between the Canglan V2 and Silent Brown provides unique auditory experiences while maintaining a level of similarity in feel and sound quality due to their shared nylon bottom housing. Users can expect that pressing down on both switches will render a consistent muffled sound resulting from the nylon, making it an essential component of their typing experience. In contrast, the top housing differences present a significant divergence in sound profile, influencing how the release of the switch is perceived. By understanding these dynamics, users can better appreciate how both switches achieve distinct yet harmonious soundscapes, each catering to diverse preferences in the keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we observe differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Canglan V2 boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its reduced strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which tends to provide a more substantial typing experience. This difference in bottom out force indicates that the Silent Brown might feel more robust under pressure, appealing to users who prefer a stronger tactile sensation. Overall, if one is looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Canglan V2 would be the preferred option, while those who favor a heavier feel may lean towards the TTC Silent Brown.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the Canglan V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Brown measures a slightly longer 3.8 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the shorter of the two switches, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel with less travel distance, which is often favored by gamers for quicker response times. In contrast, the Silent Brown, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile experience, which may be preferred by users who appreciate a deeper key press. Therefore, if you seek a quick, snappy feel, the Canglan V2 is the better choice, while those favoring a hearty depth should consider the Silent Brown.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly deep sound signature that is both rich and resonant, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This thocky quality is likely to resonate well with enthusiasts looking for an immersive experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch is designed to produce a muted sound profile, known for its softer and quieter output compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This makes the Silent Brown a suitable choice for quiet work environments or for users who want to minimize noise without sacrificing tactile feedback.

Regarding feel, the Canglan V2 switch offers a smooth and light typing experience that enhances the overall fluidity of key presses. Its linear design eliminates any tactile bump, allowing for uninterrupted key travel which many users find appealing for fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Brown tactile switch provides a more complex keystroke with its rounded tactile bump, giving users a satisfying and discernible feedback when the actuation point is reached. Its buttery, mild, and polished characteristics create a seamless typing sensation that feels refined and accessible, making it an excellent option for both casual typists and avid gamers alike.

In summary, while the HMX Canglan V2 and TTC Silent Brown switches cater to different preferences through their distinct sound and feel qualities, both can deliver enjoyable typing experiences. The Canglan V2 focuses on a pronounced deep sound combined with a light, linear feel that appeals to those seeking smoothness and thock, while the Silent Brown balances a muted auditory experience with tactile feedback and a polished touch that suits those who appreciate a comforting typing rhythm. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you favor a lightweight, linear feel with a smooth keystroke and an enticingly deep sound profile, the Canglan V2 is ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a thocky feedback without the additional resistance that heavier switches offer. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who appreciate speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Conversely, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that provides tactile feedback with a muted sound, you should consider the Silent Brown. Its mild resistance and polished feel make it suitable for a comfortable typing experience, particularly in quieter settings where you might want to minimize noise disruption. Thus, by weighing how each switch aligns with your typing style and the environment you typically work in, you can make a more informed decision that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more