HMX Cheese vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX Cheese offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience with its ultra-light weight and satisfying clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced feel, slight bump, and moderate weightiness, creating a softer sound profile. Both switches bring their unique characteristics to the table, catering to different typing preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and TTC Gold Brown switches differ significantly in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Cheese produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing.
While both the Cheese and Gold Brown switches share a nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials vary, leading to distinct sound profiles. The use of different materials for the top housing affects the sound produced when pressing down and releasing a key. The Cheese switch's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound upon release, while the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing results in a clearer and more resonant sound. This difference showcases how the top housing material can influence the overall sound profile of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for the HMX Cheese and TTC Gold Brown switches plays a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound during typing, their top housing materials create distinct sound characteristics. The softer nylon top housing of the Cheese produces a deeper sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound can help enthusiasts choose switches that align with their preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 43 grams, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, making the Cheese lighter. The bottom out force of the Cheese is 46 grams, whereas the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, again making the Cheese lighter. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Cheese may make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch with its heavier forces may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese switch. A 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how the switch feels when typing or gaming. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Cheese switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Gold Brown switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
The TTC Gold 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 Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is lighter than most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a balanced typing experience with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, producing a softer sound profile that is generally quieter than other switches. The Gold Brown switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes, while the Cheese switch's sound profile is not specified.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch's characteristics are not provided, while the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience. The Gold Brown switch provides a gentle and approachable typing sensation with a smooth and fluid keystroke, as well as a prominent yet not overwhelming amount of tactility. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a sleek typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a lighter sound signature and a smooth typing experience, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a balanced and quieter sound profile with a gentle and polished typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect similar results in terms of performance, durability, and overall satisfaction with either of these high-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with an ultra-smooth typing experience and a satisfyingly light actuation force, then the HMX Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a balanced feel, a moderate weightiness, and a slight bump for tactile feedback, then the TTC Gold Brown switch could be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities and sound profiles, so it's important to test them out yourself to see which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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