HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Brown represent two distinct approaches to the tactile experience of typing. The Deep Navy switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its immersive sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers or typists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes without any tactile feedback to interrupt their flow. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a balanced and nuanced experience with its slight tactile bump and rounded, softer sound profile. The moderate weight of the Gold Brown makes it suitable for those who appreciate a satisfying feedback while typing, enhancing the overall typing experience without being overly noisy. Each switch caters to different user preferences—whether you desire a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke or a more tactile interaction with each press. 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
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Brown feature contrasting materials for their top housings, which directly influence their sound profiles. The Deep Navy’s top housing is made of nylon, a classic material known for its softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a deeper and more rounded sound when typing, as the nylon absorbs vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Gold Brown uses polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference means that while the Deep Navy offers a fuller auditory experience, the Gold Brown delivers a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when RGB lighting is considered, as polycarbonate is typically translucent and allows for better illumination effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Deep Navy and the Gold Brown utilize nylon, which contributes to a consistent aural experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, reinforcing the stage-ready auditory qualities synonymous with this material. When a key is pressed, the properties of the nylon enable a duller and more rounded bottom-out sound, providing a satisfying tactile experience for users. Despite their differences in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will behave similarly in terms of tactile feedback and sound quality upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Gold Brown emphasizes how crucial the material selection is in crafting the overall typing experience. While the Top housing contributes prominently to the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing becomes significant when a key is pressed down. By blending the softer nylon bottom housing with either the deeper, fuller sound of the Deep Navy’s nylon top or the crisp, high-pitched clarity of the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top, users can appreciate the unique auditory experiences each switch offers. Therefore, while these switches leverage different materials to achieve distinct sound profiles, their nylon bottom housings allow them to share common ground in tactile feedback and auditory depth.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, influencing the typing experience each offers. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a more effortless typing action, ideal for extended sessions in both work and gaming contexts. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial and pronounced feedback with each keystroke. This variance indicates that the Deep Navy switch is a lighter option while the Gold Brown provides a heavier tactile experience. For typists or gamers who prioritize comfort over long durations, the Deep Navy may be preferable, whereas those seeking a firmer push feel should gravitate towards the Gold Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, the distinctions are notable. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is typically regarded as more traditional and provides a heftier feel when pressed. For gamers seeking quick response times, the shorter 3.6 mm distance of the Deep Navy may be more appealing, offering faster actuation. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Gold Brown’s 4 mm distance, as it offers a deeper engagement. Therefore, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference regarding the tactile experience and responsiveness in their typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by its rich and sharp sound profile, designed to enhance the auditory experience during typing. This is complemented by its full nylon construction, contributing to the overall quality of sound. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a more neutral auditory experience. It features a rounded sound profile that is softer than many other switches, making them versatile for various settings, whether at home or in an office. Both switches’ sound characteristics can be influenced by additional factors like the keyboard construction and keycap choice, but users can expect distinct differences in auditory impact between the linear and tactile experiences.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy is recognized for its silky smoothness, providing effortless keystrokes with a fluid typing experience that is typical of linear switches. This smoothness can be very appealing for users who prioritize a seamless flow while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch delivers a more balanced tactile experience. With a gentle bump and a mild feel, it offers an approachable typing sense that is both polished and buttery. These tactile switches strike a chord between being too subtle and overly pronounced, creating a comfortable typing experience without any harsh characteristics.
In summary, the Deep Navy linear switch offers a distinct auditory experience with its sharp sound and expresses a smooth and seamless feel, while the Gold Brown tactile switch combines a soft sound profile with a mild, balanced tactile response. Both offer unique advantages, catering to different user preferences, but may provide similar results in terms of usability and typing comfort depending on the situation. Ultimately, choosing between them will hinge on whether one prefers the linear smoothness of the Deep Navy or the slight tactile feedback of the Gold Brown.
Conclusion
In the end, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing and gaming preferences. If you gravitate towards a feather-light feel and a rich auditory experience, the Deep Navy with its 45-gram bottom-out force and silky smooth, polished keystrokes may be your best bet. This switch is particularly suited for fast-paced gaming or for those who type extensively and prefer a clean, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of feedback while typing, the TTC Gold Brown's balanced qualities and moderate 63-gram actuation force make it ideal for a wide range of activities, whether at home or in a professional setting. Its mild bump and softer sound profile can enhance your typing experience without being overly obtrusive, making it a reliable choice for both new and experienced users alike. In essence, your decision should reflect not just the tactile preferences you have but also the applications you have planned for your keyboard, ensuring that it complements your style for all your input needs.
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