TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Gravel stand out for their distinct tactile experiences. The Gold Brown, known for its balanced design, features a subtle tactile bump that provides just the right amount of feedback without overwhelming the user. Its moderate weightiness, paired with a softer, rounded sound profile, makes it an appealing choice for those who seek a harmonious typing experience, perfect for both work and casual use. In contrast, the HMX Gravel offers an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that allows for rapid keypresses with minimal effort. This linear switch is ideal for gamers or fast typists who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. While both switches cater to different preferences—one celebrating tactile nuance and the other pure smoothness—they share the goal of enhancing your overall 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and HMX Gravel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly contributes to the auditory experience and aesthetics of each switch. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is noted for its clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination that enhances the visual appeal of the keyboard. Given that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience when it comes to the sound produced during key releases, thereby achieving consistent results in terms of clarity and sound quality.
Conversely, the bottom housings of the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Gravel switches are made from nylon, which is known for its distinct sound characteristics compared to harder materials. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the higher frequencies produced by the polycarbonate tops. When typing on these switches, the deeper notes emitted from the nylon bottom will be noticeably different from the crisp sounds heralded by the polycarbonate tops, creating a balanced acoustic environment. This synergy allows users to enjoy a rich auditory experience that combines both clarity and depth, enhancing the overall typing feel.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Gravel switches share common materials—polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom—their unique characteristics create a harmonious typing environment that showcases the strengths of both materials. The sharpness provided by the polycarbonate top complements the rounded notes to be expected from the nylon bottom, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, although the switches feature differing materials for their bottom and top housings, they harmoniously blend their qualities, resulting in a cohesive sound profile that caters to various preferences. This duality not only enhances user experience but also enables both switches to deliver similar performance results in terms of sound and feel despite individual material differences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch to the HMX Gravel linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams, while the Gravel is lighter at 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force reflects a similar trend, with the Gold Brown reaching 63 grams compared to the Gravel's 50 grams. Consequently, users seeking a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the heftier Gold Brown switch, whereas those who favor a lighter feel and less resistance will find the Gravel switch more appealing. Overall, the Gold Brown offers a medium typing experience, while the Gravel offers a decidedly lighter one.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Gravel linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Gold Brown switch provides a more pronounced feel as it travels deeper before registering a keystroke, which can offer a hearty depth appreciated by users who enjoy tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gravel switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it easier to execute rapid key presses without the feeling of excess depth. Thus, for those who prefer a more responsive experience, the Gravel switch is the better choice, while those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial keystroke may opt for the Gold Brown switch. Overall, the Gold Brown switch has a longer travel distance, enhancing its tactile feedback, whereas the Gravel switch, with its shorter distance, caters to those favoring speed and efficiency.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Gravel switches, the Gold Brown is characterized by its rounded and softer sound, making it a great option for those seeking a moderate noise level that won't be intrusive in shared spaces. This neutral sound profile suits a wide range of typing scenarios, whether at home or work. On the other hand, the sound qualities of the Gravel switch remain unspecified; thus, it's challenging to directly compare their auditory characteristics. However, the overall sound experience can be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch delivers a mild and buttery typing experience, providing a satisfying balance between a tactile bump and smooth key travel. The prominent but not overwhelming tactile feedback allows for an approachable typing experience suited for a wide range of users. Additionally, the polished nature of the switch suggests a refined finish that minimizes friction, enhancing the overall typing comfort. The Gravel switch, in contrast, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and lighter actuation force, contributing to a responsive and effortless typing experience. As a linear switch, it does not offer the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown but instead emphasizes seamless key presses for a different typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a balanced auditory and tactile experience suitable for a variety of users, the HMX Gravel linear switch focuses on effortless smoothness and responsiveness. Users looking for a more pronounced tactile feel might gravitate towards the Gold Brown, while those who prioritize a smooth and light keystroke will find favor in the Gravel. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that enthusiasts can find suitable options for their mechanical keyboard adventures.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a tactile feedback while typing and prefer a balanced experience, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its moderate bottom-out force of 63 grams offers a satisfying tactile bump, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. This switch is particularly advantageous if you tend to type for extended periods, as its mild and polished feel promotes comfort without being overly taxing. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gravel linear switch may be more to your liking. With a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Gravel excels in providing a buttery-smooth keystroke that’s perfect for gaming or rapid typing tasks. Its smooth action offers an engaging feel without any tactile interruptions, which many users find appealing. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard—be it for gaming, work, or general use—to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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