TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Macchiato present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch designed for users who appreciate subtle feedback and a gentle tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for typists who prefer an immersive experience with minimal distraction. Its low-pitched, thocky sound and silky feel provide a refined touch, perfect for those in quiet environments or who engage in prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato is a linear switch that prioritizes a smooth typing experience coupled with a brighter sound profile, appealing to gamers and typists who enjoy rapid key presses without any tactile interruption. The Macchiato offers a seamless glide that can enhance speed and responsiveness, making it a strong contender for fast-paced scenarios. Each switch has unique attributes that can significantly influence your typing or gaming 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
42g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POK
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Macchiato contrast significantly in their compositions, particularly in the top housings. The Gold Brown Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crystal-clear sound profile. This polycarbonate design is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the material's transparency allows for an enhanced visual effect. Conversely, the Macchiato opts for a nylon top housing, noted for its softer characteristics that yield a deeper and fuller sound. While the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate enhances clarity and brightness, the nylon top housing of the Macchiato absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Macchiato incorporate nylon, which fosters a similar acoustic quality. Nylon is acclaimed for its sound-absorbing properties, contributing to a deeper and rounder sound profile that enhances the typing experience. This consistency in bottom housing material means that when both switches are pressed down, users will encounter a similar auditory sensation as the nylon seamlessly dampens the impact sound. Therefore, the experience of bottoming out on either switch is likely to feel very much alike, despite the variance in the top housing materials.
In summary, while there are notable differences between the top housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Macchiato, their bottom housing shares the same nylon construction, creating a level of auditory consistency when the switches are engaged. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top imparts a bright sound with more resonance, perfect for RGB applications, while the nylon top of the Macchiato creates a softer, fuller acoustical experience. Ultimately, the interplay between the materials culminates in a distinct sound profile for each switch, driven by the different characteristics of their top housings, while maintaining similarity in the rounder and deeper sound contributed by their shared nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation forces, which may influence user preference based on typing habits. The Gold Brown Pro boasts an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Macchiato's 42 grams actuation force. This means the Gold Brown Pro requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. However, information regarding the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unavailable, while the Macchiato's bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams, classified as light. Therefore, the Macchiato not only features a lighter actuation force but also a definitive bottom out force, offering a more predictable response when keys are fully pressed. In contrast, users of the Gold Brown Pro may find the typing experience more engaging, albeit with an unknown bottoming force, while the Macchiato's lighter nature could cater to prolonged typing and gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, the differences are notable. The Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Macchiato features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Macchiato is better suited for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke, offering a deeper feel that some may find satisfying. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro provides a snappier response, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Therefore, for those prioritizing speed and responsiveness, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is the optimal choice, while the HMX Macchiato caters to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress experience.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 offers a thocky profile characterized by a deep, rich tone that produces a satisfying sound with each keystroke. The switch's low-pitched quality contributes to a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for both home and work environments—especially for those who prefer a quieter workspace. It maintains a neutral sound profile, catering to a broad range of users. In comparison, the HMX Macchiato switch doesn’t have specific sound descriptions available, but its design suggests it skews toward a brighter sound profile. This contrast indicates that typists looking for an auditory feedback experience will find the Gold Brown Pro's deep thud more immersive while the Macchiato may provide a more energetic acoustic characteristic.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro is refined and smooth, described as polished and silky, which results in minimal friction during key travel. The mild and subtle tactile feedback ensures a gentle typing experience, presenting an approachable option for various users. The stepped tactile characteristic of this switch means that users will enjoy a distinct feel during actuation while not being overwhelmed by it. There is no detailed description of how the HMX Macchiato feels, but since it is designed for a silky smooth typing experience, it may offer a different yet equally satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy linear switches.
Taking into account the overall comparison, it is evident that the TTC Gold Brown Pro and HMX Macchiato switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a nuanced tactile sensation paired with a muted auditory presence, suitable for users who value a subtle experience with a deep sound profile. On the other hand, while the Macchiato leans towards a more pronounced and bright sound, its feel remains unlisted, suggesting a smooth typing experience that may suit different users looking for a linear option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding tactile feedback and sound, with both offering satisfying experiences in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you value subtlety and an immersive typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be your best bet. Its gentle tactile feedback provides just enough notification of actuation without being intrusive, making it ideal for quiet spaces or long typing sessions. The low-pitched and thocky sound profile also ensures minimal disturbance for those around you, which is perfect for office settings or shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smoother, noisier keypress with a brighter sound, the HMX Macchiato is the right choice. Its linear action promotes uninterrupted, fluid typing, making it suitable for those who enjoy gaming or rapidly alternating keystrokes. Its 50-gram actuation force offers a light feel that will appeal to users who favor speed and responsiveness without tactile interruptions. Ultimately, consider whether you want a refined, gentle experience or a vibrant, smooth action when making your decision.
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