TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, is designed for those who appreciate subtle feedback as they type. With its gentle tactile bump and muted sound profile, it provides an immersive, almost serene typing environment that allows users to focus on their tasks without the distraction of constant keystroke reminders. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switch offers a linear experience characterized by an ultra-light actuation force and a satisfyingly clacky sound, making it ideal for users who crave smooth and rapid key presses, whether for gaming or fast-paced typing. While the Gold Brown Pro caters to those who enjoy an understated tactile feedback, the Hibiscus is perfect for enthusiasts looking for a frictionless experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Hibiscus differ significantly in the materials used for their top housings, which profoundly affects their acoustic profiles. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity and translucency. As a result, this material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications. Conversely, the HMX Hibiscus utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is a well-known classic in switch manufacturing. This softer material absorbs more sound, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience that contrasts notably with the Gold Brown Pro's crisper profile.
Both switches, however, share the same nylon bottom housing, which leads to a similar impact on the sound and feel during usage. The nylon material enhances the acoustics by providing a duller and rounder tone that comes into play when the user bottoms out the switch. Since both the Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Hibiscus employ the same nylon for the bottom housing, they will generate a comparable tactile feedback and sound profile when pressed down on, despite their differences in the top housing. This commonality in bottom housing ensures that their performance during the actuation phase is closely aligned.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro and HMX Hibiscus have distinct top housing materials that lead to divergent sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing allows for a blend of characteristics from both materials. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Brown Pro provides a bright and clear response, whereas the nylon top of the Hibiscus lends a warmer sound. The combined effects of these materials ensure that each switch offers unique auditory and tactile experiences, but the similar bottom housing guarantees that users will enjoy a rich and rounded sound quality in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch to the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, we see some key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Hibiscus, which has a lower actuation force of 42 grams. This difference means that for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Hibiscus would be the more suitable choice. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Hibiscus has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This indicates that once the Hibiscus is pressed down, it requires a noticeable force to fully bottom out, providing a more substantial feel for users who appreciate that tactile feedback. In summary, the Hibiscus is the lighter switch with a defined bottom out force, whereas specific details regarding the bottom out of the Gold Brown Pro are not available, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that regard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the Gold Brown Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Hibiscus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you choose the Gold Brown Pro, you will experience a deeper keypress, which can provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for typing or gaming. In contrast, the Hibiscus, with its shorter travel distance, may yield quicker actuation, making it a better choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a more pronounced depth, the Hibiscus caters to those who enjoy a snappier feel. Therefore, if a more responsive experience is what you seek, the Hibiscus is the better option, while the Gold Brown Pro may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more tactile feedback.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 presents a thocky and low-pitched character, reminiscent of a soft thud or knock that offers a deep, rich sound with every keystroke. This subdued auditory profile ensures the typing experience is discreet, making it well-suited for environments where quietness is valued. In contrast, the sound qualities of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch are not specified, so we cannot make a direct comparison. However, it’s important to note that the sound of each switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, meaning the Hibiscus may produce various sounds depending on its particular setup.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished and silky smooth typing experience, providing a gentle resistance that is both mild and subtle, making it approachable for typists of all experience levels. Its stepped tactile feedback allows for a nuanced response without overwhelming the user, perfect for maintaining focus during prolonged typing sessions. The tactile bump leads to a sophisticated experience that doesn't detract from the flow of typing. Conversely, the feel characteristics of the HMX Hibiscus are unknown, leaving an open question regarding its overall smoothness and tactile response.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a tranquil typing experience with its rich sound signature and refined tactile feedback, providing a well-rounded option for users seeking an understated mechanical switch. With no specific details available about the feel and sound of the HMX Hibiscus switch, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, based on the known qualities, the Gold Brown Pro encourages a serene experience, while the Hibiscus may deliver an entirely different sensation that awaits exploration. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should hinge on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback in your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a subtle tactile feedback that offers a refined and polished typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. Its gentle bump and low sound profile make it ideal for quiet settings, such as shared workspaces or when you need to maintain concentration without distraction. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers an exceptionally smooth and lightweight feel, and you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with a "clacky" sound, the HMX Hibiscus is the way to go. Its light actuation force and satisfying sound signature make it perfect for gaming sessions or energetic typing, where you want each keystroke to feel lively and responsive. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style—whether you thrive on subtlety or prefer a more dynamic, engaging experience.
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