TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the differences in feel and feedback can significantly impact your typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch designed for those who appreciate a subtle, nuanced feedback. Its gentle tactile bump enhances typing without overwhelming the user, allowing for an immersive experience, especially suited for long hours of work or gaming. The switch’s low-pitched, thocky sound profile adds to its appeal, ensuring that keystrokes remain smooth and quiet. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky is a linear switch, offering a smooth and frictionless typing experience that is ideal for fast-paced typists who prefer a consistent keystroke without any tactile interruptions. Although it lacks the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown Pro, the Lucky switch is celebrated for its lightweight design and satisfying feel, making it a popular choice among gamers and those who type rapidly. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you're drawn to the subtle feedback of a tactile switch or the smoothness of linear keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Pro Tactile

HMX Lucky Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Brown Pro and HMX Lucky switches exhibit notable distinctions in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory profiles. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer structure. This characteristic allows for a clear and resonant sound profile, particularly beneficial for users who prefer RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency lets light permeate effectively. In contrast, the Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, a traditional material that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. Because nylon is softer and more absorbent, it dampens sound and creates a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, the choice of top housing material fundamentally alters the overall typist experience and sound signature of each switch.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown Pro and Lucky share the same nylon material, creating a uniformity in sound that helps bridge their differences. Nylon, known for its sound-absorbing properties, contributes to the deeper, fuller auditory sensation when typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience for both switches. The bottom housing's characteristics have a notable impact on the bottom-out sound, which means that in both switches, this shared material creates a consistent and comforting feel when keys are fully pressed. While the Gold Brown Pro’s polycarbonate top provides a distinctive snap upon release, the nylon bottom ensures that the overall typing experience remains plush and satisfying.

To summarize, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro and HMX Lucky switches utilize different materials for their top housing—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—they converge in their bottom housing material. As a result, typists can expect a fuller and deeper sound from both, thanks to the nylon bottom. However, the Gold Brown Pro will deliver a sharper and crisper sound upon the release of keys due to its polycarbonate top, while the Lucky will maintain a more subdued and rounded sound profile throughout its performance. Users seeking specific auditory qualities may find their preferences aligning with these material choices, although both switches are likely to provide a satisfactory experience when it comes to tactile feedback and bottom-out sounds.

Weight

The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch present notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a heavier option, while the Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. The Gold Brown Pro does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Lucky offers a bottom out force of 43 grams, which can be considered light. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Lucky is the more suitable choice, whereas the TTC Gold Brown Pro caters to users who favor a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the differing actuation forces highlight a clear distinction in the tactile feedback and responsiveness of each switch.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressed, users will experience the same distance traveled when activating either switch, resulting in similar tactile feedback and performance. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect uniformity in feel and response regardless of which switch they choose, making them comparably effective for various typing and gaming needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When examining the sound profile of the TTC Gold Brown Pro, it's characterized by a thocky and low-pitched quality that produces a deep, rich sound with each keystroke. This switch strikes a balance with a neutral sound signature, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the HMX Lucky's sound profile remains undisclosed, leaving an intriguing gap in understanding how this switch compares in audible feedback during typing.

In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished and silky characteristics, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The tactile nature of this switch is mild yet noticeable, resulting in a gentle push-back at its actuation point that enables comfortable typing over long periods. Its subtle stepped tactility provides a nuanced interaction with each keystroke. The feel of the HMX Lucky switch, however, is not specified, creating uncertainty regarding how it holds up against the prominent smoothing and tactile cues of the Gold Brown Pro.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch stands out with its delicate sound and refined feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a quieter yet responsive typing experience. The lack of information about the HMX Lucky switch prevents a comprehensive comparison, but it suggests that choosing between them will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile engagement. If sound and feel matter significantly, the Gold Brown Pro may be the more reliable option based on what is known.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a typing experience that is subtle and refined, the Gold Brown Pro is your best bet. Its gentle tactile feedback allows you to maintain focus on your tasks without the distraction of stark tactile responses, making it ideal for a quiet office environment or shared spaces. The polished and silky feel of this switch enhances overall typing smoothness, allowing for a comfortable experience over long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and lightweight feel with softer vibrations that still deliver satisfying key presses, the HMX Lucky linear switch may be the right choice. While its 43-gram bottom-out force offers a light and easy actuation, it might be better suited for gaming or fast-paced typing where rapid key presses are essential. Ultimately, base your decision on whether you seek a subtle tactile experience with the Gold Brown Pro or a smoother, lighter response with the HMX Lucky, ensuring it aligns with your primary activities, whether typing or gaming, for the most satisfying experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Pro Tactile

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more