HMX Cheese vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch to the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, featuring a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets it apart as one of the lightest switches on the market. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro stands out for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience with its ease of press and neutral sound signature that makes it suitable for any environment. While both switches offer their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches feature a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Gold Red Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Cheese. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for better RGB lighting effects due to its translucency, whereas the nylon material of the Cheese may not offer as much clarity in this aspect.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Cheese and the TTC Gold Red Pro utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's softer properties contribute to a rounder sound, creating a more muted typing experience. While the bottom housing does impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, it is the top housing that has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released. Overall, the choice of the bottom housing material in these switches remains consistent, offering a familiar typing experience regardless of the brand.
Although the housing materials for the top and bottom differ between the HMX Cheese and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer the softer, rounder sound of the nylon housing in the Cheese or the clearer and more resonant sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Gold Red Pro, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, both switches deliver reliable performance and sound quality, showcasing the versatility and impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 43 grams, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch also has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that both switches have the same amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cheese requires 46 grams, while the Gold Red Pro force is unknown. The Cheese is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unavailable, so it's difficult to determine if it's lighter or heavier in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Cheese offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro provides a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on how you like the key to feel when pressed. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so you can expect similar results in terms of key press experience.
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 $3.99.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unique sound profile, characterized by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy tone that sets it apart from other switches on the market. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a more neutral sound signature that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it a versatile option suitable for various environments. The Cheese switch provides a distinct auditory experience with its ultra-light actuation, while the Gold Red Pro switch offers a more subdued and adaptable sound that can cater to a wider range of users. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches will come down to personal taste and the specific setup in which they are used, as factors like keyboard construction and keycap material can also influence the overall acoustics.
When it comes to the tactile feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese switch's characteristics are not specified, while the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is described as offering a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. The Gold Red Pro switch stands out for its smooth and refined finish, minimizing friction and providing effortless key travel. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the HMX Cheese switch remains a mystery, leaving room for exploration and surprise for users who decide to opt for this particular switch. Both switches aim to deliver a pleasant typing experience, but the Gold Red Pro switch's detailed descriptions suggest a more deliberate focus on tactile feedback and user comfort.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel that cater to different preferences and needs within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cheese switch's unique clacky sound and ultra-light actuation provide a niche typing experience that may be favored by users seeking a specific auditory feedback, while the Gold Red Pro switch's versatility in sound and polished, silky feel make it a reliable choice for a wide range of applications. Ultimately, both switches have their merits and can deliver satisfying results depending on individual preferences, setup requirements, and typing habits.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, you should opt for the Cheese if you prioritize an ultra-light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound signature. This switch would be ideal for those who enjoy a lighter touch and a crisp typing feel. On the other hand, if you value versatility and a seamless typing experience, the Gold Red Pro would be the better choice for you. With its neutral sound profile and adaptability to various settings, this switch is suitable for a wide range of users and typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the lightness and crispness of the Cheese switch or the versatility and neutrality of the Gold Red Pro switch.
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