TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come into play are the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Lucky. The Gold Brown, celebrated for its balanced performance, features a slight tactile bump that enhances typists' feedback, offering a moderate weightiness and a soft, rounded sound profile that remains pleasant without being entirely silent. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a tactile experience that blends the best aspects of typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, with its lighter and more glittery nylon housings, delivers a linear typing experience that is smooth and satisfying, perfect for users who favor quick keypresses and minimal resistance. While both switches present unique benefits—tactile feedback in the case of the Gold Brown and ultra-smooth action with the Lucky—choosing the right one ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Lucky switches, a noticeable contrast emerges in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and clarity, producing a higher-pitched and crisper sound. This sharper profile is particularly advantageous for users interested in the aesthetics of RGB lighting, as transparent polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In stark contrast, the Lucky employs a nylon top housing, a softer material that absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a mellower typing experience. The choice of housing in each switch thus highlights a fundamental difference in sound characteristics—where the Gold Brown prioritizes brightness and clarity, the Lucky emphasizes warmth and a rounder tonal quality.
Both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing materials, with both the Gold Brown and the Lucky utilizing nylon for this part of the housing. As a result, the deeper and fuller sound profile fostered by the nylon bottom is consistent between the two switches. Given that the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, this mutual reliance on nylon suggests that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience at the actuation point. Yet, while their bottom housings provide this uniformity, it is important to note how the distinct top housing materials lead to different auditory experiences when the keys are released.
Ultimately, the differences between the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Lucky offer a nuanced look at how the interplay of housing materials can shape user experience. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Brown contributes a bright, lively sound that pairs well with RGB effects, while the nylon top of the Lucky affords a more muted and softer sound profile conducive to a cozy typing atmosphere. This dichotomy offers users a choice based on their preferred tactile feedback and auditory experience. Hence, while both switches can achieve a similar degree of sonic depth due to their common nylon bottom, the overall sound signature will undeniably differ based on their respective top housing materials. Users can select based on their desired typing experience, whether inclined towards clarity or fullness.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch to the HMX Lucky linear switch, one can observe distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown switch features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium weight category, while the HMX Lucky switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. As such, the Gold Brown will offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier action, which some users prefer for the tactile feedback it provides. In contrast, the lighter Lucky switch is likely better suited for longer typing sessions or gaming, where reduced strain is desirable. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter feel for extended use should opt for the HMX Lucky, while those who appreciate a firmer push may find the TTC Gold Brown more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, it's clear that the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky measures 3.8 mm. This makes the Gold Brown the longer travel option, which can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper keystroke experience for users who prefer a hearty depth. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive feel, catering to those who favor quicker actuation—often a priority for gamers seeking rapid input response. Consequently, if you prefer a more traditional keystroke experience, the Gold Brown is the better choice, while the Lucky appeals to those who enjoy a brisker key press with a slight reduction in travel distance.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 offers a rounded and softer sound profile compared to many other mechanical switches. It strikes a balance that makes it suitable for both home and workplace environments, maintaining a sound level that can be described as neutral. This quality makes it versatile for users of all experience levels. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch lacks detailed descriptions of its sound characteristics, leaving its auditory nature somewhat unknown. However, the choice of board and keycaps will significantly affect both switches' sound output, potentially allowing them to align closely in practice.
Regarding feel, the Gold Brown switch presents a mild tactile experience with a gentle yet noticeable bump. This characteristic provides a balanced typing sensation that appeals to a wide range of users, ensuring that the overall experience is not too aggressive or too soft. Moreover, the Gold Brown is described as buttery, accented, and polished, indicating a smooth and refined keystroke with minimal friction, making for an enjoyable typing experience. Unfortunately, the HMX Lucky switch does not have comparable descriptors in this area, which means its tactile characteristics remain unspecified.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a well-defined auditory and tactile experience characterized by its mild bump and refined feel, the HMX Lucky switch lacks specific descriptors that would allow for a meaningful comparison. If you prioritize a balanced typing experience with a soft sound, the Gold Brown is a strong choice. In contrast, the Lucky may still provide user satisfaction, but its qualities remain less defined. Thus, while both switches may deliver enjoyable typing experiences, the Gold Brown offers more predictability in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the choice largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Gold Brown is an excellent option for you. Its tactile bump provides feedback that can enhance typing accuracy, making it ideal for both typing and gaming sessions. The rounded, neutral sound profile is perfect if you need a switch that won't disrupt your environment, whether at home or in a shared office. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, the Lucky linear switch may be more to your liking. Its lightweight design allows for rapid key presses, making it a fantastic choice for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions where comfort and fluidity are paramount. Both switches offer unique advantages; therefore, carefully consider the contexts in which you’ll use them, as well as your tactile preferences, to find the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
