TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Hibiscus each offer distinct advantages, catering to different typing preferences and experiences. The Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced design, featuring a slight tactile bump that provides feedback without being overly pronounced. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a moderate actuation weight and a softer, rounded sound profile, allowing for comfortable, extended typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus excels in delivering an extraordinarily smooth keystroke, making it a favorite among gamers and those who prefer effortless linear action. With an ultra-light actuation force and a clacky, poppy sound signature, this switch offers a unique auditory and tactile experience that enhances quick, precise keystrokes. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and HMX Hibiscus each utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which leads to notably different sound profiles when typing. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that is characterized by its rigidity, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound. This stiffer material allows for greater resonance, making it particularly advantageous for users who prioritize a clear auditory feedback, especially in scenarios involving RGB lighting where the translucency of polycarbonate can amplify visual effects. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus employs a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer composition. Nylon essentially absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is rounder and more muted than that produced by the polycarbonate housing of the Gold Brown.
When examining the bottom housings, both the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Hibiscus switch feature nylon materials. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound-absorbing qualities, typing on both switches provides a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound. This uniformity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches produce a relatively deeper and fuller sound profile when pressed down, creating a consistency that can appeal to those who enjoy that particular auditory feedback. In this instance, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar feel and sound effect for both switches, ensuring that regardless of the differences in the top housing, users are likely to enjoy a comparable typing experience when it comes to the sound produced upon keystrokes.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the housing materials in both switches influences the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top of the TTC Gold Brown provides a sharper sound when the keys are released, while the nylon bottom contributes to a deeper sound during key presses. Conversely, the HMX Hibiscus, with its nylon top and bottom, generates a consistently fuller and rounder sound throughout the typing process. Therefore, while the two switches differ in their top housing materials, the similar nylon bottom housing of both creates a unified sound experience, demonstrating how housing materials significantly mold the unique characteristics of keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch with its actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 63 grams to the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, which features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, several distinctions emerge. The Gold Brown is notably the heavier switch, providing a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Hibiscus is lighter, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where ease of key presses matters. The difference in actuation forces suggests that the Hibiscus will allow for quicker, less strenuous key presses, whereas the Gold Brown may provide a more deliberate feel. Therefore, while the Hibiscus switch caters to those looking for a lighter touch, the Gold Brown is suited for users who prioritize feedback and resistance in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the Gold Brown measures at 4 mm while the Hibiscus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the Gold Brown's more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for its deeper response. Conversely, the Hibiscus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those looking for a more immediate response, such as gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. Thus, if you're seeking a more pronounced tactile experience, the TTC Gold Brown would be the better choice; however, if you value speed and a snappier feel, the HMX Hibiscus is the way to go. In essence, the Gold Brown offers a longer travel distance, providing a hearty depth, while the Hibiscus provides a shorter, more responsive experience.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 switch presents a rounded and softer auditory profile that is quite balanced. This means it can appeal to various users, from beginners to seasoned typists, making it an excellent choice for both home and office environments. The sound is not overly loud, which allows for a more discreet typing experience, while the slight bump adds a satisfying auditory cue when keys are actuated. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch offers a distinctively clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This pronounced auditory characteristic can be particularly enjoyable for those who prefer a more dynamic acoustic feedback while typing, though one should always keep in mind that the sound produced can also be influenced by keycap and board choices.
Regarding tactile feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild, buttery experience filled with a gentle yet satisfying tactile bump. This blend of smoothness and nuance means that typists can enjoy a comfortable and approachable keystroke without feeling overwhelmed or bumpy. The switch's tactile quality leans towards the accentuated side, delivering a clearly defined tactile bump that is refined and polished, promising a smooth key travel experience enriched by its construction. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch, known for its ultra-light actuation force, offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, although detailed qualities of its tactile feedback are not specified here. Being a linear switch, it lacks the tactile bump found in the Gold Brown, likely resulting in an entirely different feel.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown offers a balanced auditory experience combined with a mild and polished tactile feel that caters to a wide range of users. Its softer sound and gentle tactile feedback make it suitable for everyday use in various settings. Conversely, the HMX Hibiscus features a unique sound profile that is crisper and more poppy, paired with an ultra-light actuation that delivers a smooth typing experience. These differences highlight the diverse range of preferences when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, where the Gold Brown is favored for its balance and comfort, while the Hibiscus shines in sound and weight. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will dictate the best choice for you. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience that offers a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, the Gold Brown is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams provides a comfortable weightiness, making it suitable for a variety of environments—whether you’re typing at home, working in an office, or gaming. The soft, rounded sound profile ensures minimal disruption to those around you, which can be advantageous in shared spaces. Conversely, if you prioritize smoothness and the thrill of a lightweight keypress, the HMX Hibiscus will likely be your go-to switch. With a mere 48 grams of actuation force, it allows for effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for rapid typing or gaming sessions where speed is crucial. The clacky and crispy sound signature adds an engaging auditory element to your experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback without the tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you lean towards tactile feedback with the Gold Brown or pure smoothness with the Hibiscus, so consider what you value most in your typing experience.
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