TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two compelling options are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Gravel. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the distraction of loud keystrokes, featuring a gentle bump that complements a subdued sound profile. This switch caters to typists looking for a mild, polished experience that allows them to remain focused without being overwhelmed by auditory cues. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch offers a completely different experience with its linear design, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that appeals to gamers and fast typists alike. With a medium-light actuation force, the Gravel promotes a responsive feel, making it effortless to type or game for extended periods without fatigue. While the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for users who value subtle tactile sensations and low noise, the Gravel excels in delivering a consistently smooth typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Gravel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute significantly to their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate—a relatively stiff plastic—creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that enhances the auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for users who desire RGB lighting effects. Since both switches utilize the same material for their top housings, users can expect similar acoustic outcomes when it comes to the sharpness and clarity of sound during key releases. This uniformity in material choice underscores the importance of top housing in defining the overall tonal character of the switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Gravel is made of nylon, a classic material that brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. Nylon is a softer plastic, which naturally absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory profile as compared to the more resonant sound created by hard plastics. This differentiation means that while both switches share similarities in sound sharpness from the top housing, they will feel distinctively different when bottoming out due to the nylon composition. Consequently, the bottom housing will influence the thunk and feel of the keystroke, contributing to a more rounded sound overall.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom in both the Gold Brown Pro and HMX Gravel results in a well-rounded typing experience. The polycarbonate tops ensure a bright and crisp sound upon key release, while the nylon bottoms provide a warm, full sound and tactile feel when striking the keys. With both switches sharing these materials, users can expect a consistency in how the switches handle acoustics, while still experiencing the unique characteristics brought forth by the differing impacts of both housing types on the resultant sound during use. Thus, while they may provide a unified sound profile through the use of similar materials, the tangible feel of each switch will be a blend of their individual structural properties.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar keystroke trigger pressure when typing. However, the HMX Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to actuate, the Gravel switch will provide a heavier feel upon bottoming out, resulting in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Consequently, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged use during typing or gaming sessions, while the HMX Gravel's heavier bottom out force might appeal to users seeking a firmer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, the Gold Brown Pro offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Gravel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that users of the Gold Brown Pro might experience a deeper key press, which can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who enjoy a hearty depth when typing. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to gamers and users who prefer a quicker response and a more abrupt feel with each key press. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gravel switch may be the better option, while the Gold Brown Pro would be preferable for those seeking a more substantial typing experience due to its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro switch produces a thocky, low-pitched sound that is deep and satisfying, creating a soft thud when pressed and released. This muted sound profile is enhanced by its neutrality, making it suitable for both work and home environments without being overly disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch's sound characteristics are currently unspecified, leaving it uncertain how it stacks up against the Gold Brown Pro. However, given that the sound of a switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard it’s mounted in and the keycap selection, the Gravel may also offer an appealing auditory experience, but those specifics aren’t available.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro excels with descriptors like polished, silky, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes resistance. Its mild tactile feedback is carefully designed to offer a gentle resistance without becoming overly pronounced. Additionally, the stepped nature of its tactility lends a nuanced feel to the keystrokes, helping users maintain comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, there is no information regarding the tactile feel of the HMX Gravel switch, which leaves a gap in understanding how it might compare in terms of typing experience.
In conclusion, for those looking for a tactile switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro presents an appealing combination of sound and feel with its subtle yet refined characteristics, creating a solid typing foundation. While we have detailed insights into the Gold Brown Pro, the HMX Gravel remains a mystery in terms of its auditory and tactile qualities, leading to a lack of clear comparison. If sound and tactile feedback are crucial for your decision, the Gold Brown Pro may be the more compelling option at this stage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately relies on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a typing experience with subtle feedback, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent option, as its gentle tactile bump allows for a more immersive experience without distractions. This switch is particularly suited for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, thanks to its low-pitched, thocky sound profile and polished feel, making it ideal for both work and shared spaces. On the other hand, if you value speed and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, the HMX Gravel linear switch may be the better choice. Its lighter actuation force gives you a responsive typing feel, perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks where rapid key presses are essential. While the Gravel may not provide the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown Pro, its smoothness can enhance your overall typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more fluid keystroke. By considering the unique characteristics of each switch and how they align with your specific needs, you can make an informed decision that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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