TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
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
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 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
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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 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.
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