HMX EVA vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX EVA and the TTC Silent Red can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX EVA, inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, not only boasts a striking aesthetic but also delivers a resonant sound signature combined with a silky smooth feel, making it a favorite for both gamers and typists who relish an engaging tactile experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red prioritizes a seamless and quiet typing experience, making it an ideal option for those working in quiet environments or shared spaces. With its muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom—including a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort—the Silent Red caters to users seeking a more subdued auditory experience. Both switches have unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences and settings; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX EVA Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EVA and the TTC Silent Red, a clear distinction is evident in their top housing compositions: the EVA employs nylon while the Silent Red utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is celebrated for its softer characteristics, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This results in a sound experience that many users find more rounded and subdued. Conversely, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, tends to yield a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly for users interested in RGB lighting, allowing for a vibrant display that contrasts starkly with the more muted appearance of nylon.

In terms of the bottom housings, both the HMX EVA and the TTC Silent Red utilize nylon. This choice in material leads to a shared quality: both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressed. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the overall feel and sound at the bottom-out stage, the use of nylon in both cases allows for consistency in the tactile experience. Both switches, therefore, will create a similar sound sensation when fully engaged, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity to users who prefer this type of action.

Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials may lead to different auditory experiences when typing. However, the similarity in bottom housing materials means that users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound dampening and tactile feedback just before the switch bottoms out. The interplay between the nylon bottom housing's qualities and the distinct characteristics of each top housing ultimately contributes to an overall experience that melds the softer, fuller tones of nylon with either the crisp clarity of polycarbonate or the richer sound profile of nylon. This combination allows both switches to be appealing, catering to different preferences in sound while maintaining common tactile features.

Weight

When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The HMX EVA features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use such as in office settings or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback while typing. As a result, while both switches serve their distinct preferences, the EVA offers a lighter and softer typing experience, whereas the Silent Red provides a weightier response that can enhance typing satisfaction for those who favor a firmer touch.

Travel distance

The HMX EVA linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This small difference means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the EVA may be the better choice, offering a quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you value a more hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Silent Red could be more appealing, as its travel distance feels a bit more substantial. Overall, the EVA provides a marginally shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Red, which could cater to different user preferences for typing or gaming experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX EVA linear switch possesses a resonant sound signature that gives it distinctive auditory characteristics, though specifics of this resonance are not detailed here. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed for a muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for environments where quieter operation is essential. The Silent Red minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a more discreet typing experience that won’t disturb others around you. Overall, while the EVA may provide a more pronounced sound due to its resonant nature, the Silent Red prioritizes quietness, leading to very different auditory experiences.

In terms of feel, the HMX EVA is noted for a silky smooth typing experience that allows for effortless keystrokes. This smooth characteristic may offer a unique tactile satisfaction for users who appreciate a fluid action when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red excels with a buttery feel that emphasizes a seamless keystroke, enhancing overall comfort during extended typing sessions with its polished finish. Additionally, the Silent Red is characterized as mild, making it approachable for a wide range of users and suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, while both switches aim for a smooth typing experience, the EVA focuses on silky smoothness while the Silent Red adds a level of buttery softness and stability to its feel.

In conclusion, both the HMX EVA and TTC Silent Red linear switches cater to different preferences regarding sound and tactile experience. The EVA's resonant sound and silky typing feel provide one unique experience, whereas the Silent Red’s muted sound and buttery smooth feel lend themselves to quieter and more comfortable use. Depending on your specific needs—whether it's a more expressive auditory experience or a need for discretion—the choice between these two switches can tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to better suit your environment and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX EVA linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and are drawn to distinct aesthetics and a resonant sound signature, the HMX EVA, inspired by the iconic Evangelion Unit-01 colors, would be a great choice. Its smooth typing feel makes it ideal for both gaming and casual typing, especially if you enjoy a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you need a switch that allows for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the smoothness and consistency of each keystroke, then the TTC Silent Red is likely the better option for you. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and muted sound, it's perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept in check. In summary, your decision should reflect not only your typing habits but also your surrounding environment, with the EVA being suited for personal use with aesthetic appeal, and the Silent Red excelling in quieter settings where discretion is important.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EVA Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more