HMX EMO vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and TTC Gold Brown offer unique typing experiences. The HMX EMO is a linear switch known for its lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown is a tactile switch that offers a balanced typing experience, with a slight satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness to them. The Gold Browns also produce a softer sound profile compared to most switches. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different preferences in typing feel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX EMO and the TTC Gold Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities in top housing material indicate that users can expect comparable sound profiles and lighting effects from both switches.
In contrast, the EMO features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The difference in bottom housing materials suggests that typing on the EMO may provide a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound compared to the Gold Brown. However, both switches still benefit from the acoustic qualities that nylon brings to the table.
Overall, when considering the impact of housing material on a switch, it's important to recognize how the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. While the EMO and Gold Brown may have differing bottom housing materials, both switches ultimately offer a unique typing experience that is shaped by a combination of their housing materials.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the EMO requires 46 grams of force while the Gold Brown requires 63 grams, making the Gold Brown the heavier option in both categories. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the EMO may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, the Gold Brown may provide a more satisfying experience. Both switches offer different levels of force that cater to varying preferences, so selecting the right one ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Brown switch requires a slightly deeper press to activate compared to the EMO switch. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the EMO switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Gold Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
In terms of sound, the EMO linear switch is known for producing a lively and clacky sound, while the Gold Brown tactile switch is characterized as having a balanced and neutral sound profile that is softer than most switches. The sound of each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the EMO switch offers a feather-light 46g bottom-out force and a bouncy typing experience that is smooth and satisfying. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild typing experience with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is described as buttery, accented, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a light bottom-out force, the Gold Brown switch offers a balanced feel with a moderate weightiness and a softer sound profile. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light, bouncy feel with a clacky sound and a feather-light bottom-out force, the EMO switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a moderate bump and weightiness, along with a soft sound profile, the Gold Brown switch might be more fitting. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and the specific feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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