HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Silent Brown each offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, along with silky smooth keystrokes, largely thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists looking for a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience, where every keystroke glides effortlessly. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches provide a tactile sensation that many find comfortable and satisfying, characterized by a light to medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. These switches are particularly appealing for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, thanks to their muted sound profile, while still enjoying the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, whether one prioritizes a smooth, silent experience or an engaging tactile feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and TTC Silent Brown utilize contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their acoustic profiles. The Deep Navy employs a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience upon key presses. In contrast, the Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and thus creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The clarity and resonance provided by polycarbonate lead to distinct auditory feedback that is crisper when keys are released. In essence, while both switches deliver satisfying tactile experiences, their differing top materials contribute to fundamentally different sound profiles that cater to users’ preferences.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a shared auditory quality that is significant when comparing their overall sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Silent Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound, reinforcing the dampening effect characteristic of nylon. Since bottom housing often impacts the bottom-out sound and feel more than the top, this commonality ensures that both switches provide a round sound experience when the key is fully pressed down. Consequently, while the top housings create contrasting auditory effects during release, the consistency of nylon in the bottom housing serves to unify their overall acoustic experience.

This interplay between the different materials in the top and bottom housings highlights how multi-material housing can craft distinctive sound profiles while still sharing similar auditory characteristics. Users can appreciate the deeper sound accompanied by the nylon bottom housing in both switches, while the experience varies during key release based on the top housing material. The Deep Navy's nylon top produces a warmer tone, which contrasts with the Silent Brown's livelier sound due to its polycarbonate makeup. Ultimately, while both switches leverage nylon's classic properties in their bottom housing for uniformity, the choice of top housing materials allows for tailored auditory feedback that can be customized according to personal preference.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Deep Navy switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use such as long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial feel that could appeal to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback while typing. As a result, the HMX Deep Navy switch is the lighter option overall, while the TTC Silent Brown is the heavier choice. This variance in force offers different experiences, catering to both light and medium-heavy switch preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find that the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown measures at 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Silent Brown offers a longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Deep Navy can cater to users seeking quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers or individuals favoring rapid key presses. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances suggests that users will experience distinct tactile feedback depending on their choice, with the Deep Navy being the more responsive option and the Silent Brown providing a richer, deeper feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch offers a rich and sharp sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience that stands out during typing. This sound quality is largely attributed to its full nylon construction, which contributes to a deeper acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch presents a muted sound profile that significantly reduces the noise typical of mechanical keyboards. Its design aims to create a quieter typing environment, making it ideal for shared spaces or environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. While the Deep Navy provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Silent Brown ensures a much softer and more discreet sound during operation.

When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Deep Navy is recognized for its silky smoothness, allowing for effortless keystrokes that provide a seamless typing experience. This smooth action can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing, particularly for those who favor linear switches that do not have tactile bumps. In contrast, the Silent Brown tactile switch offers a well-balanced experience with a light to medium level of resistance, complemented by a satisfying tactile bump. This tactile response provides a clear indication of actuation while still being gentle enough for prolonged typing sessions. The Silent Brown switches are described as buttery, mild, and polished, indicating a refined feel that balances user comfort with a tactile feedback loop, appealing to a broader audience.

In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch cater to different preferences, they each have unique strengths that can enhance the typing experience. The Deep Navy excels in delivering a rich sound and smooth keystrokes, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic element, while the Silent Brown offers a muted sound and a notable tactile feel, appealing to those who prioritize a quieter and more nuanced typing experience. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, and whether you want to immerse yourself in auditory richness or enjoy a subtle, refined experience during typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, you should consider your priorities in terms of typing experience and environment. If you favor a lighter touch and a smooth keystroke, the Deep Navy, with its lower actuation force of 45 grams and silky feeling, may be your ideal choice—perfect for those marathon gaming sessions or quick keystrokes that require little resistance. Moreover, the rich sound profile will enhance your auditory experience, making your typing feel more engaging and dynamic. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance and a tactile feedback that ensures each keystroke is satisfyingly distinct, then the Silent Brown switch, with its medium-heavy force of 63.5 grams and rounded tactile bump, would be the better fit. This switch offers a muted sound profile that minimizes noise—making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces where quiet typing is essential. In essence, choose the Deep Navy for a smooth, lively experience or opt for the Silent Brown for a more grounded, tactile feel with the benefit of reduced sound. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on your specific needs for typing feel, sound level, and whether you lean toward a light or medium-heavy typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more