TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who appreciate a subtle, nuanced feedback with its gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, making it a great option for those who prefer a brighter sound signature. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a more understated tactile experience, the Swift provides a more vibrant and bouncy typing feel. 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
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Swift differ in their top housing material. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Swift has a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the nylon top housing of the Swift offers a classic switch housing material option.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Swift utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches highlights how this softer plastic impacts the typing experience, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. Despite the different top housing materials, the similarities in the bottom housing material of these switches allow for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the contrasting top and bottom housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Swift offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The differences between the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro and the nylon top housing of the Swift reflect in the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the former and the deeper, fuller sound of the latter. On the other hand, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound absorption and feel. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile with RGB lighting capabilities or a fuller sound profile with a classic switch housing material, both the Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Swift offer unique options to suit your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch to the HMX Swift linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, a few key differences stand out. The Gold Brown Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making it require a bit more force to initiate a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Swift is lighter at 50 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Gold Brown Pro may provide a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force, the Swift offers a lighter touch for potentially longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches are very close in terms of travel distance, with the Swift being slightly longer. In general, a shorter travel distance can result in faster response times, making it preferred by gamers who need quick reactions. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, resulting in a deep and satisfying tone that is not overpowering. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch is characterized by a clacky sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. The Gold Brown Pro's sound is more neutral and subdued, while the Swift's sound is brighter and more percussive. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring that typists can choose based on their desired auditory experience. Remember, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch provides a polished, silky, and mild typing experience with a subtle resistance that is approachable and refined. This switch is characterized by a smooth key travel and reduced friction, offering a sleek and comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, providing a light and responsive typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different typing preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and subdued tactile experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, while the HMX Swift offers a bright and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can select the one that best suits their typing style and preferences. Whether you prefer a gentle and refined typing experience or a light and responsive feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that elevate the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a subtle tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a deeper sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Swift would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a lighter touch when typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best fits your typing needs.
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