HMX EMO vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the TTC Gold Brown Pro offer unique experiences for typists. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that provides a lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. Its factory-lubed design ensures an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that offers a subtle and nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump. This switch allows typists to immerse in their tasks without being overly distracted by the typing experience, thanks to its subdued sound profile. While the EMO excels in providing a lively and satisfying typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro appeals to those who value understated tactile experiences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX EMO and TTC Gold Brown Pro keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This quality makes both keyboards ideal for users looking for a more clear and resonant sound while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. With both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate in their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using RGB lighting.
In contrast, the EMO features a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits of a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. Despite the different top housing materials between the two keyboards, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users can experience similar typing experiences in terms of sound quality.
When considering the impact of housing materials on keyboard sound and feel, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each material are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. With the EMO and Gold Brown Pro keyboards each featuring a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, users can expect a well-rounded typing experience that offers a balance of sharp, clear sounds from the top housing and deep, full sounds from the bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the EMO requires 46 grams to fully press down, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the EMO switch a bit lighter overall in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a light and smooth typing experience, the EMO switch would be a good choice. However, for users who like a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, the Gold Brown Pro switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EMO. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. If you prioritize a faster and more responsive typing experience, you may prefer the EMO with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing, the Gold Brown Pro with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results when using either one.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively and clacky nature, offering a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is described as having a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that is more subdued and less intrusive. The Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience, allowing for a more focused and immersive workflow without the distraction of loud keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO linear switch provides a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force of 46g, making it effortless to type on. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a polished, silky feel with subtle tactility that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro's mild and subtle characteristics provide a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users, perfect for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue.
Overall, when comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, they offer distinctive typing experiences catered to different preferences. If you prefer a livelier and more audible typing experience, the EMO switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you value a quieter and more subtle tactile typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro switch is a better fit. Both switches excel in their own unique ways, ultimately providing a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a lively and bouncy feel with a feather-light bottom-out force, opt for the EMO switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a clacky and smooth typing experience or a gentle and immersive tactile feel.
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