HMX Cheese vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and TTC Gold Silver both offer unique and desirable attributes for different types of typists. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets it apart from the rest. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness and shortened travel, resulting in a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. While the HMX Cheese is lighter and offers a smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and TTC Gold Silver both use different materials for their housing components, with the Cheese utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Gold Silver combines a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Cheese creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Silver results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as the stiffer plastic material leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Cheese and Gold Silver use nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This similarity between the two switches' bottom housing materials results in a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound quality for both switches. Despite the variation in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing maintains a level of similarity in the sound produced during typing on these switches. This commonality suggests that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound profile of the switches.
Overall, the contrasting sound profiles produced by the Cheese's nylon top housing and the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing offer users a choice between a deeper and fuller sound characteristic versus a sharper and crisper sound quality. While both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, the distinction in top housing materials provides a unique typing experience for each switch. The impact of the top housing material on the sound when pressing and releasing a key highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and TTC Gold Silver may come down to personal preference in terms of sound characteristics and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the TTC Gold Silver linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have relatively close actuation forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cheese requires 46 grams while the Gold Silver force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the HMX Cheese switch due to its lower bottom out force, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the TTC Gold Silver switch, even though the exact bottom out force is not specified. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feedback and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese and TTC Gold Silver linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in that aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, both switches offer a similar tactile feedback and typing experience due to their identical distance traveled. This means that users can expect consistent results when typing on keyboards featuring either switch. Additionally, the uniform travel distance of 3.5 mm on both switches ensures that users will not notice a significant difference in key press depth between the two. Ultimately, whether typing on the HMX Cheese or TTC Gold Silver linear switch, users can enjoy a smooth and responsive typing experience with the same travel distance.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese switch offers a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch is noted for its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, providing a deep and resonant tone with each keystroke. Both switches bring unique sound characteristics to the table, catering to different preferences in terms of typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. While specific descriptors are not provided, this suggests a focus on a smooth and effortless keypress with these switches. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, featuring reduced friction, smooth key travel, and gentle resistance. This creates a seamless and refined typing feel that prioritizes ease and comfort during use.
Overall, the HMX Cheese switch and the TTC Gold Silver switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch excels in its clacky and satisfying sound profile, while the Gold Silver switch stands out for its thocky and low-pitched tones. In terms of feel, the Cheese switch prioritizes smoothness and precision, while the Gold Silver switch focuses on a polished and silky typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ultimately providing a tailored experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you value a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfyingly clacky sound signature, the HMX Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, precise bottom-out, and a harmonious sound profile, the TTC Gold Silver switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a lighter touch and unique sound profile (HMX Cheese) or a swift and solid typing experience with a resonant sound (TTC Gold Silver).
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