TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch engineered for those who appreciate a gentle tactile bump, providing just the right amount of feedback without overwhelming the user. Its low-pitched sound profile ensures a discreet typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments where focus is paramount. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, offers a smoother keypress devoid of tactile feedback, creating an uninterrupted experience that's perfect for gamers and rapid typists looking for speed and fluidity. Its satisfying clack sound—complimented by high-quality factory lubrication—adds a layer of auditory pleasure to each keystroke. While the Gold Brown Pro excels in delivering subtlety and discretion, the Sunset Gleam promises an exhilarating, unhindered flow in typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Pro Tactile

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam share a notable similarity in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This decision enhances the sound profile of the switches, leading to a sharper and crisper auditory experience when typing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate not only amplifies the clarity of sound but also makes the switches particularly appealing for RGB lighting enthusiasts, thanks to the material’s translucency. Thus, when using either switch, users can expect a similar performance in terms of sound profile and visual appeal under lighting conditions.

Conversely, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which contributes to the acoustic characteristics in a markedly different way. The softer, more absorbent qualities of nylon result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, cushioning the auditory impact of keystrokes. This material choice ensures that, even though both switches resonate differently due to their contrasting top housings, the bottom-out experience remains enriched by the nylon's ability to absorb sound, providing a well-rounded auditory feedback for the user.

When considering the overall performance of each switch, it's crucial to acknowledge how the different housing materials work in conjunction. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the clarity and brightness of the sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and warmth when the keys bottom out. Therefore, regardless of the slight variances in materials, users will find that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch delivers a satisfying auditory experience, blending bright tones with a rich, full-bodied sound. This duality ensures that both the Gold Brown Pro and Sunset Gleam can deliver a pleasant typing experience, engaging users with their respective strengths.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Sunset Gleam, which has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. However, a defining characteristic of the Gold Brown Pro is that its bottom out force is unknown, while the Sunset Gleam has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while the Gold Brown Pro offers a tactile feel at a higher actuation force, the Sunset Gleam provides a more consistent feedback throughout its travel due to its defined bottom out specification. As a result, users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might lean towards the Sunset Gleam, while those seeking a stronger feel might find the Gold Brown Pro more appealing despite not having complete data on its bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more substantial key press experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be preferable, offering a more pronounced feel as you type. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, could appeal to gamers and those who favor quicker responsiveness, as it allows for faster actuation. In this case, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam might lead to a more immediate response time, but it could feel somewhat abrupt compared to the deeper feel of the Gold Brown Pro. Thus, choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more traditional depth or a quicker, more responsive experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro features a thocky and low-pitched acoustic profile, offering a deep, rich sound that is pleasantly muted during use. This allows typists to enjoy a satisfying auditory experience without it becoming a distraction, making it well-suited for both office environments and home setups. The switch's neutral tone ensures that it fits comfortably into a variety of settings, whether you're a beginner or an experienced keystroke artist. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound characteristics are currently unknown, leaving potential users curious about how its linear design will translate to auditory feedback during typing.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished, silky texture, which provides a smooth and refined typing experience. The switch's mild and subtle characteristics combine to deliver gentle resistance, catering to those who appreciate a more approachable tactile experience. This is ideal for users who prefer a refined touch without excessive stimulation. The stepped design further enhances this experience by creating a more nuanced sensation during keypresses, giving users a delicate balance throughout the keystroke. The tactile feedback ensures a responsive yet understated feel, ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam's tactile or resistant qualities remain unknown; thus, it is difficult to draw a comparison regarding the overall experience it may provide.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro stands out for its muted yet satisfying sound and delicately polished feel, making it a great option for those who favor a smooth typing experience without overwhelming feedback. The HMX Sunset Gleam, while currently lacking a detailed sound and feel description, may offer an engaging alternative given its linear nature and emphasis on quality materials. Both switches could potentially serve distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape, with the Gold Brown Pro appealing to those who favor tactile feedback and subdued sound, while the Sunset Gleam invites curiosity for those seeking different qualities yet to be fully explored.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environments in which you typically work. If you value a more subtle, nuanced typing experience that allows you to dive deeply into your tasks without frequent distractions, the Gold Brown Pro shines with its understated tactile feedback and whisper-quiet keystrokes, making it ideal for shared spaces or prolonged typing sessions. Its polished, silky feel invites you to glide through your typing without unnecessary resistance, which can greatly improve comfort during long hours at the keyboard. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more engaging typing experience that rewards you with satisfying sound and feel, the Sunset Gleam is your go-to option. With a light bottom-out force and a smooth linear action, it provides a different kind of enjoyment without the tactile interruptions, perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing where immediate feedback is desirable. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer the subtleties of tactile nuances or the fluidity of linear movement.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Pro Tactile

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more