HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Gold Pink linear switches each offer unique benefits that cater to different user preferences and typing styles. The Deep Navy switch captivates with its rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and the silky smooth Ly stem that delivers a refined keystroke experience. This switch appeals to those who appreciate a more robust acoustics and a luxurious feel while typing. In contrast, the TTC Gold Pink switch stands out with its remarkably light 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest on the market. This switch is optimized for rapid, effortless typing and gaming, providing a lively and satisfying “clacky” feedback that many users find delightful. Ultimately, while the Deep Navy excels in delivering a superior auditory and tactile experience, the Gold Pink is designed for speed and efficiency. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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 Pink exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which consequently influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This acoustic characteristic arises from nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the TTC Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for generating a crisper and sharper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for greater resonance, making the audible feedback of keystrokes more pronounced. From an aesthetic perspective, the Gold Pink's choice of polycarbonate, known for its translucency, enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, providing an appealing visual effect that is not present in the Deep Navy.
In examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Pink employ nylon, tying their acoustic properties together. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures a consistent and rich sound experience characterized by a deeper tone, as the softness of the material helps absorb sound and reduces impact noise. This similarity means that when a user types on either switch, they will experience a similar bottom-out sound and feel, creating a cohesive tactile experience regardless of the differing top housing materials. Both switches share a foundation grounded in classic switch technology; therefore, the bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall sound quality and typing feel.
While the two switches diverge in their top housing compositions, the integration of nylon in both bottom housings serves to unify their performance characteristics. This means that although the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Gold Pink yield different sound profiles when the key is released, they share a common auditory base upon bottoming out. Thus, when considering overall performance, typists can expect a consistent deep sound due to the nylon bottoms, while the upper frequencies will vary based on the switch's top housing material. Users looking for the specific auditory experiences will appreciate how the materials combine, delivering unique results while sharing fundamental qualities.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch both offer a light typing experience, but they differ slightly in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy requires an actuation force of 40 grams, whereas the Gold Pink is even lighter at 37 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 45 grams, meaning that once fully depressed, they provide the same resistance. Therefore, while the Gold Pink may be the better option for those seeking a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming, the Deep Navy offers a slightly heavier actuation feel for users who prefer more resistance. Ultimately, if one desires a lighter switch for extended use, the TTC Gold Pink will be the preferable choice, enabling a more effortless keystroke without compromising on bottoming out feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it's evident that they cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Pink measures at 4.0 mm. This means that the Gold Pink offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial depth when pressing the keys, thus appealing to users who prefer a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Deep Navy aligns more closely with the trend towards quicker response times favored by gamers, who often prioritize rapid key actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the Deep Navy would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate keystroke might lean toward the Gold Pink.
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 Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by its rich and sharp acoustics, which are enhanced by its full nylon construction. This switch produces a deeper and more resonant auditory experience, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and substantial. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink switch is known for its clacky sound, which provides a lively auditory feedback. The lighter actuation force of 37g contributes to a brighter and more energetic sound profile, favoring quick and responsive typing. Both switches have distinct sound signatures, with the Deep Navy delivering a fuller tone and the Gold Pink offering a more casual and playful feel, reflecting their intended use cases in typing or gaming. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on keycap choices and the type of keyboard used.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switches are designed to be silky smooth, offering a seamless typing experience that many users find pleasurable. This smoothness is attributed to the intricacies of the Ly stem that facilitates clean keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Gold Pink switches provide a combination of buttery, mild, and feathery sensations, making them exceptionally light and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Users can expect a gentle resistance that enhances ease of use without sacrificing feedback, resulting in a comfortable experience for rapid typing or gaming. Further, the polished nature of the Gold Pink ensures reduced friction and an elegant keystroke. Overall, while the Deep Navy leans towards a smooth typing experience, the Gold Pink offers a range of sensations, combining lightness and subtle resistance, making them user-friendly for different typing preferences.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Gold Pink linear switches present compelling qualities that cater to different user experiences. The Deep Navy stands out with its rich sound and silky smooth feel, ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke feedback. Conversely, the Gold Pink excels in its light actuation force, vibrant sound, and comfortable feel, making it a perfect choice for fast typing or gaming scenarios. While they each bring unique characteristics to the table, users can find a satisfying experience in either switch depending on their preferences, whether they lean towards a fuller tone or a lively, light-touch typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re someone who enjoys a rich auditory experience with a smooth keystroke, the HMX Deep Navy could be the right choice for you. Its silky feel and satisfying sound make it ideal for typing tasks where you want to soak in the tactile feedback and sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and a light touch for extensive typing or gaming sessions, the TTC Gold Pink is tailored for you. With its extremely low actuation force and feathery touch, it excels in rapid keystrokes and keeps finger fatigue at bay, thus enhancing your typing speed and enjoyment. In shared environments, the mild and subtle sound profile of the Gold Pink could be advantageous for not disrupting others. Ultimately, think about whether you desire a more immersive sensory experience or a super-quick and effortless typing companion to guide your decision.
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