TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences in tactile feedback and sound can significantly affect your typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, is favored by those who appreciate a gentle, nuanced feedback with its subtle tactile bump—striking a balance between responsiveness and quietude, making it ideal for immersive typing sessions without loud interruptions. In contrast, the HMX SU, a linear switch, offers a smooth keypress with no tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke, coupled with a deeper sound profile. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who appreciate mild tactile cues in their workflow, while the HMX SU is designed for users who prioritize a seamless 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
T5
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX SU exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their auditory characteristics and tactile experiences. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and clarity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This property is ideal for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition. The softer heat-impressed nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile. Thus, the top housings of both switches showcase distinct acoustic signatures—a key aspect for users seeking specific auditory feedback from their keyboards.
On the other hand, both the Gold Brown Pro and HMX SU utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared feature creates a deeper and fuller sound for both switches as nylon inherently dampens and absorbs sound waves, resulting in a consistent typing experience characterized by a duller bottom-out sound. Since the bottom housing is more influential in determining the overall feel and sound when a key is pressed down, users can expect similar auditory responses from both switches during key actuations. This commonality helps align the overall experience of typing on both switches, making them wonderfully compatible for enthusiasts who appreciate consistent characteristics across different switch designs.
Overall, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing in the Gold Brown Pro and the nylon top housing in the HMX SU illustrates a broader spectrum of sound profiles, while their identical nylon bottom housings serve to unify the auditory experience. Users of the Gold Brown Pro will enjoy the bright and resonant transient sounds upon key release, while HMX SU users will savor the rounded sound that lingers in the actuation phase. Even though the two switches employ different materials for the top housing, the shared nylon bottom contributes significantly to the feel and sound, enabling enthusiasts to find satisfaction in either choice. This flexibility allows users to achieve similar results depending on their auditory preferences and desired aesthetic outcomes in a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the effort required to register a keystroke is identical for both options. However, the difference becomes apparent when considering the bottom out force: while the HMX SU switch bottoms out at 50 grams, the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force remains unspecified. This indicates that the SU switch may offer a more defined tactile experience as it provides feedback when fully pressed down.
Consequently, if you're someone who enjoys a lighter typing experience for extended usage, both switches would suit your preferences based on their equal actuation force. However, the SU switch, with its measurable bottom out force, may feel heavier overall during intensive typing or gaming sessions. For those who appreciate a more solid feel under their fingers, the additional force of the HMX SU at bottoming out may provide that substantial typing experience absent in the Gold Brown Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we observe that the Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX SU measures 3.6 mm. This makes the HMX SU the shorter option, offering slightly quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gamers or those who prioritize speed in their typing experience. Conversely, the Gold Brown Pro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for individuals who appreciate a deeper keystroke and a tactile feedback experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a balance between responsiveness and depth, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for 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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 tactile switch offers a distinct thocky quality, producing a deep and satisfying audio feedback that resonates as a low-pitched tone. This creates a rich sound experience that’s non-intrusive, making it suitable for both home and work environments. The overall sound profile is neutral and moderate, which allows users to enjoy a pleasant auditory feedback without causing distractions. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch’s sound profile is less specifically described, indicating a potentially more general quality. Sound characteristics can also vary due to external factors such as the choice of keyboard casing and keycaps, which adds an element of variability that is applicable to both switches.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished and silky characteristics that provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The combination of a gentle tactile bump and a mild resistance gives it a subtle response that is comfortable for both casual and intensive typing sessions. The switch feels refined yet approachable, making it versatile for various typing styles. Conversely, the tactile quality of the HMX SU linear switch remains unspecified, leaving uncertainty about its performance in this aspect. Therefore, users seeking specific tactile feedback might find the Gold Brown Pro more appealing in terms of the refined feel it offers.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is characterized by a thocky sound and a smooth, refined feel that makes it highly suitable for various typing contexts, the HMX SU linear switch lacks detailed descriptions regarding its sound and feel. Users prioritizing a gentle, low-profile auditory experience accompanied by a polished typing feel may favor the Gold Brown Pro. However, anyone interested in the HMX SU will need to explore further to determine how it matches these particular qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and environment. If you appreciate a subtle tactile sensation that allows you to focus on your work without disruptive feedback, the Gold Brown Pro should be your go-to switch. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a low-pitched, thocky sound, makes it an ideal choice for office settings or shared spaces where you want to minimize noise while still enjoying a refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean toward a more straightforward and smooth keypress without any tactile interruptions, the HMX SU linear switch might better suit your needs. Its light bottom-out force and deep sound profile cater well to gamers or heavy typists who prefer a seamless flow with minimal resistance. So, assess the nature of your tasks and your surrounding environment to make the most informed decision between these two excellent switches.
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