HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Gold Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Gold Silver offer distinct characteristics suited for different typing preferences. The Deep Navy, renowned for its rich and sharp sound profile, features a full nylon construction that enhances durability while providing a silky smooth keystroke experience thanks to its Ly stem. This switch is often favored by typists who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions, creating an immersive experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver is engineered for rapid responsiveness, boasting a shorter travel distance that allows for a decisive bottom-out with every press. Its smooth actuation is complemented by a resonant sound signature, making it an ideal choice for gamers and fast typists who seek a harmonious blend of speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. While both switches cater to linear preferences and deliver a satisfying typing experience, they do so in their unique ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Silver switches, we see a notable distinction in their top housing materials, which in turn significantly influences their auditory profiles. The HMX Deep Navy uses nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb a considerable amount of sound, resulting in a more muted acoustical experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The choice of polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of sound but also makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows light to disperse more effectively through the switch.

Interestingly, while the top housings differ in material and resultant acoustic properties, both the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Gold Silver share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means that the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches will exhibit the same softer, rounded characteristics associated with nylon. Thus, regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect a similar in-hand tactile experience when they press down on either switch, as both rely on the absorptive qualities of nylon at the base. In a practical sense, this shared bottom housing ensures a consistent feel throughout the actuation of both switches.

Ultimately, the combined effect of the different top housing materials and the shared bottom housing leads to a diverse experience for users. The HMX Deep Navy, with its nylon top, provides a warmer auditory sensation, while the TTC Gold Silver offers a brighter, more resonant sound profile due to its polycarbonate top. However, because both switches feature nylon at the bottom, they share a common tactile foundation, ensuring that users experience a cohesive feel under their fingers, even as the auditory experience may vary. Therefore, while the switches exhibit distinct sound profiles owing to their top housing materials, the overall performance remains aligned due to the retention of nylon in their lower structures.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams, complemented by a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Gold Silver requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This variance suggests that users seeking a lighter typing experience would prefer the Deep Navy, as it allows for easier keystrokes, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might lean towards the Gold Silver, given its heavier actuation force, though the lack of bottom out force information leaves some uncertainty. Ultimately, if users prioritize a lightweight switch for comfort, the HMX Deep Navy would be the optimal choice due to its lighter overall force parameters.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch exhibit slight differences in travel distance, with the Deep Navy measuring 3.6 mm and the Gold Silver at 3.5 mm. This means that the Deep Navy has the longer travel distance, albeit only marginally so. For users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the 3.6 mm depth of the Deep Navy may provide that extra tactile feedback compared to the slightly shorter 3.5 mm of the Gold Silver. Conversely, if a quicker response time is a priority, the Gold Silver's shorter travel distance could offer an edge, making it attractive for gamers who favor faster keystrokes. Both switches still fall within a similar range and can yield comparable results for those accustomed to lower travel depths, but the choice ultimately hinges on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp tone, thanks in part to its full nylon construction, which contributes to a more pronounced aural experience. This gives each keystroke a distinct quality that can enhance the user's engagement with the keyboard. Conversely, the TTC Gold Silver is noted for its thocky and low-pitched sound, producing a deep, satisfying thud upon actuation. This switch has a resonant sound signature that emphasizes quick responsiveness while still providing a rich auditory feedback that appeals to typists. Both switches offer engaging sound profiles, but their characteristics differ, with the Deep Navy being sharper and the Gold Silver leaning toward a deeper thocky resonance.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch excels in delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke transitions seamlessly without any unwanted resistance. The Ly stem is designed for fluid motion, making every keypress a joy. In comparison, the TTC Gold Silver switch also promotes a polished feel, described as silky and mild. This encourages a refined typing motion with minimal friction, allowing for fluid keystrokes that are equally pleasant to type on. While both switches maintain a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Deep Navy emphasizes seamless motion, whereas the Gold Silver integrates responsiveness with a gentle touch.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Gold Silver linear switches present appealing qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Deep Navy’s rich sound and silky smoothness make it a delightful choice for those looking for auditory and tactile satisfaction, whereas the Gold Silver’s thocky resonance and polished, mild typing experience appeal to those who prioritize responsiveness. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches promise a compelling typing experience with their unique characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you're looking for a switch that provides a light, smooth typing experience with a richer, more pronounced sound profile, the Deep Navy might be the best fit for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force ensures a comfortable press, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions or for users who prefer a more relaxed feel. Additionally, its full nylon construction contributes to durability and a pleasant auditory experience, catering to those who appreciate a more textured sound while typing.

On the other hand, if your priority lies in rapid responsiveness and a swift typing experience, you might find the TTC Gold Silver to be more suitable. With its slick actuation and a sound characterized by a deep, thocky resonance, this switch is perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing environments where each keystroke matters. The smooth travel and decisive bottom-out can enhance your overall typing speed and accuracy, making it an excellent choice for those who require immediate feedback. Ultimately, your decision should align with the typing experience you desire—whether it’s sound richness and gentle engagement with the Deep Navy or the quick fluidity and satisfying closure of the Gold Silver.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more