TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary widely based on your typing style and desired feedback. The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch stands out for those who appreciate a subtle yet gratifying tactile experience; its gentle bump provides a minimal yet noticeable feedback, allowing users to immerse themselves in their tasks without frequent interruptions. Its low-pitched, silky sound profile ensures that every keystroke remains understated, making it an excellent choice for office environments or quiet spaces where concentration is key. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch caters to users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience. With an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, the Twilight delivers a slightly quieter operation while still retaining the signature clacky characteristics found in many linear switches. This combination is perfect for gamers or typists who enjoy fluid motion without the distraction of tactile bumps. Both switches offer compelling advantages depending on what you value in your 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

TTC Gold Brown Pro Tactile

HMX Twilight Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Twilight switches offer distinct sonic characteristics influenced by their choice of top housing materials. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which typically results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is beneficial for users who prefer a clear and resonant auditory experience while typing, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting that can shine through the polycarbonate's translucency. In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softer properties. This softness absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is characterized as duller and rounder. Thus, while both switches are designed to provide a unique tactile feedback experience, their top housings significantly influence the tonal quality and overall auditory feedback generated during use.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches share a commonality, as they both utilize nylon for this component. The use of nylon in both the Gold Brown Pro and the Twilight emphasizes a deeper sound profile, thanks to the material's ability to absorb vibrations and reduce sharpness in sound. This means that when pressed down, both switches will provide a similar experience, reinforcing the deep and rounded acoustic signature. The nylon bottom housing enhances the tactile feel during key bottoming, giving a weighted sensation that can be appealing to typists seeking a more substantial keypress experience. Thus, this shared characteristic provides a common ground between the two switches, ensuring that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, the bottom-out sound and feel will resonate similarly thanks to the nylon material.

Overall, although the Gold Brown Pro and HMX Twilight switches differ in their top housing compositions—polycarbonate versus nylon—their bottom housings unite them in providing a robust auditory experience grounded in the properties of nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro may yield a sharper sound profile when a key is released, while the nylon top casing of the Twilight contributes to a smoother auditory transition. When users engage both switches, they will experience a fascinating interplay between the clear resonance of the Gold Brown Pro and the warm, rounded tones of the Twilight, allowing for a unique blend of auditory satisfaction that caters to various preferences. Despite the variances in material, both designs ultimately create an immersive typing experience enriched by their respective acoustic talents.

Weight

The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Twilight has a slightly lighter actuation force at 42 grams. This difference means that the HMX Twilight switch is easier to press initially, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. However, the Gold Brown Pro compensates with its tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience despite the extra push required. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro's specification is unknown, whereas the HMX Twilight comes in at a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. Given the lack of data for the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force, we can only determine that the Twilight is the heavier option overall, particularly in the bottom out category. As a result, users who favor lighter switches for longer use may gravitate towards the HMX Twilight, while those who appreciate a firmer push may lean toward the TTC Gold Brown Pro.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch measures 3.8 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Gold Brown Pro the shorter option and the Twilight the longer one. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses and potentially faster response times. In contrast, users who appreciate a more pronounced and deeper key press might gravitate towards the HMX Twilight, as its longer travel distance offers a more traditional feel. Therefore, choosing between the two largely depends on personal preference regarding the desired depth and responsiveness of the key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch produces a rich, satisfying “thocky” sound that is low-pitched and neutral, making it an excellent choice for environments where you don't want to disturb others. This keyboard switch strikes a great balance, offering a deep sound without being overly loud, which allows typists to maintain their focus without the distraction of excessive noise. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch leans toward a quieter performance due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a more subdued sound profile that may still carry some clacky characteristics inherent to HMX switches. However, specific descriptors for the sound of the Twilight switch are not available, making it harder to draw direct comparisons.

Regarding feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro stands out with a polished and silky typing experience. The smooth design minimizes friction and provides a subtle tactile feedback with mild resistance, offering a pleasant and approachable typing sensation suitable for all users. Its subtle and stepped nature allows for a refined touch, making it a versatile option whether you are typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch lacks a detailed description regarding its feel characteristics, so it's challenging to provide a direct comparison. Typically, linear switches offer a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, which may contrast with the tactile nuances present in the Gold Brown Pro.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is an excellent choice if you prioritize a quiet typing experience combined with gentle tactile feedback, making it suitable for shared spaces or prolonged typing sessions. The Gold Brown Pro excels in producing a satisfying sound and a smooth feel while catering to users who seek subtle feedback. The HMX Twilight linear switch, while quieter and potentially ideal for those who prefer linear mechanisms, lacks sufficient detail about its sound and feel. Therefore, while both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, their distinct characteristics appeal to different preferences and environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing style and personal preferences. If you appreciate a more understated tactile experience that allows you to focus without too much distraction, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. Its subtle bump and low sound profile make it ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces, while providing a smooth and polished feel that can enhance typing for extended periods. On the other hand, if you're drawn towards a more straightforward, linear switch that delivers a satisfying actuation with a slightly lighter touch, the HMX Twilight is the way to go. Its extended travel distance may suit those who enjoy a fuller keystroke without the interruption of tactile feedback, making it an attractive option for gamers or anyone who prefers uninterrupted key presses. Ultimately, assess your needs—whether you seek a delicate tactile sensation or a smooth linear experience—and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and desires for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Pro Tactile

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more