HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Red offers unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, complemented by a full nylon construction that enhances durability and lends a distinct acoustic character to each keystroke. Its Ly stem provides a silky smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value both aesthetics and tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red caters to users seeking a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, featuring a snappy sound profile that adds a subtle personality to your keyboard without overwhelming the senses. This switch strikes a balance between performance and polish, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both options have their merits, appealing to various preferences for sound, feel, and feedback. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Red, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to facilitate a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from the inherent properties of nylon, a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound waves. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature promotes a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, making it especially conducive to highlighting RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. As a result, while both switches can deliver quality performance, their sound signatures contrast significantly, reflecting their distinct housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, reinforcing a consistent acoustic quality across the two models. The use of nylon in this context leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to that observed in the Deep Navy’s nylon top housing. Given that both switches share identical bottom housing materials, they will exhibit comparable sound characteristics when pressed down upon, as nylon effectively absorbs sound and dampens higher frequencies. Therefore, while the top housings create a noticeable divergence in sound output, the shared nylon bottom housing helps to unify their overall auditory experience, contributing to a more rounded and muted typing sound.
The interplay between the different housing materials in both models illustrates the complex dynamics of sound production in mechanical switches. The differing top housings result in marked variations in sound when keys are released, while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a deeper sound profile when bottomed out. For users seeking a more vibrant auditory experience, the TTC Gold Red's polycarbonate upper offers a bright contrast, while those preferring richness may gravitate toward the Deep Navy. Ultimately, this synthesis of materials means that while typing experience can vary, both designs provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, bridging the gap between personal taste and functional performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are some notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams, making the Deep Navy more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming due to less strain on the fingers. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Deep Navy is 45 grams, which is again lighter than the Gold Red’s 50 grams. This means that the Gold Red switch requires a bit more force overall, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a firmer typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter option for comfort during long use, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better choice, while the TTC Gold Red offers a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Red measures at 4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, which can provide a more responsive feel, appealing especially to gamers who value swift key presses for faster response times. In contrast, the Gold Red, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper experience that some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches serve specific preferences, those looking for quicker actuation may lean towards the HMX Deep Navy, while others who appreciate a more traditional and pronounced keypress might opt for the TTC Gold Red.
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 Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch delivers a rich and sharp audio profile, courtesy of its full nylon construction, which contributes to a distinct auditory experience with each keystroke. Users can expect the Deep Navy to produce a clear and precise sound that may stand out under different environments. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches exhibit a thocky, low-pitched character, providing a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" as keys are actuated. This sound profile strikes a balance, making the Gold Red suitable for various settings without being overly disruptive. While both switches can be affected by the choice of board and keycaps, the Gold Red offers a more subtle yet personality-infused sound, whereas the Deep Navy leans towards a richer tone.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch provides an exceptional typing experience that is described as silky and smooth, allowing for effortless travel with each key press. These qualities make the typing experience pleasant and efficient, perfect for extended use. Conversely, the Gold Red switch is characterized by its mild resistance and polished feel, providing an approachable, gentle typing experience. Users will notice a subtle yet refined touch when engaging with the Gold Red, making it agreeable for different users, whether they are novices or seasoned typists. Overall, the Gold Red excels in providing a comfortable and smooth typing experience while also ensuring key travel remains predictable and polished.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Gold Red linear switches present compelling options for keyboard enthusiasts, albeit with some differences in sound and feel. The Deep Navy offers a richer auditory profile along with an exceptionally silky typing experience, while the Gold Red combines a pleasing thocky sound with a mild, polished touch. If you are looking for a keyboard experience that prioritizes smoothness and sound, both switches can provide satisfying results, albeit with their distinct signatures. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer the pronounced characteristics of the Deep Navy or the gentle sophistication of the Gold Red.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lighter typing force with a rich and sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy may be your ideal pick. Its silkiness and smooth keystrokes make it great for extended typing sessions, especially if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while you type. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer touch and a balanced sound profile that maintains a moderate presence, the Gold Red is an excellent choice. Its mild resistance and buttery smooth operation lend themselves well to a versatile typing experience, making it suitable for both work and casual gaming environments. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you in your daily use—whether it's the immersive sound and lightweight feel of the Deep Navy or the polished and subtle experience of the Gold Red—to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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