TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Sunset Gleam present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Gold Brown, celebrated for its balanced nature, offers a tactile bump that provides feedback without being overly intrusive, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a moderate typing experience. With a soft sound profile that avoids the harshness of many other switches, it strikes an appealing balance between performance and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, is prized for its smooth action and satisfying clack at top-out. Known as the Duck Duck switch, its unique blend of materials and high-quality factory lube create a seamless typing experience that many gamers and typists adore for rapid keystrokes. While both switches offer unique advantages—whether it’s the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown or the smooth, uninterrupted motion of the Sunset Gleam—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
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
Ly
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
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Sunset Gleam switches, it is striking to note that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material makes sense, as polycarbonate is renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the plastic contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, which is especially beneficial for users who intend to incorporate RGB lighting effects. Consequently, users can expect similarly enhanced visual and auditory experiences from both switches due to the shared attributes of their top housings.
On the downside, while both switches utilize polyethylene for their upper housing, they also feature nylon for their bottom housing, and here we see some consistency in material choice as well. Nylon is noted for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer characteristics which absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This shared nylon composition allows both switches to generate a rounder, duller sound that contrasts with the brightness of the polycarbonate top. Ultimately, users will experience complementary sound profiles when typing, as the deeper quality from the nylon bottom housing pairs well with the crisper tones from the polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the combination of these materials in the Gold Brown and Sunset Gleam switches creates a well-rounded auditory experience. The varying characteristics of the housing materials influence the overall sound delivery when typing; the top housing contributes to the sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing has a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel. Since both switches employ the same materials for their respective housing — polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom — users can expect profoundly similar auditory characteristics and tactile feedback, albeit with subtle nuances in sound and acoustic response from each combination.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Gold Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This means that users looking for a lighter, more forgiving keystroke would find the Sunset Gleam more suitable, while those who enjoy a firmer resistance may prefer the Gold Brown. Overall, if someone were to choose between these two switches based solely on weight preference, they would likely opt for the HMX Sunset Gleam for lighter use or the TTC Gold Brown for a heavier, more forceful keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Gold Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional standard for switch travel and offers a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers. While the shorter distance of the Sunset Gleam may provide a more responsive typing experience, some users might find it feels too abrupt compared to the more pronounced 4 mm travel of the Gold Brown. Therefore, if you prefer a more substantial key press, the TTC Gold Brown would likely be the better choice, while those looking for faster actuation may lean towards the HMX Sunset Gleam.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is characterized by its rounded, soft sound profile that strikes a balance between being audible and unobtrusive. It produces a moderate level of noise, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This balanced auditory experience allows users to enjoy a pleasant typing sound without drawing too much attention. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, produced by a careful blending of materials. This combo gives users a clear, pronounced sound upon key release, which can enhance the typing experience but may also be more noticeable in quiet environments. Overall, while both switches produce distinct sounds, the Gold Brown leans towards a softer profile, suitable for a broader range of settings.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown offers a mild, buttery experience with a smooth keystroke that is approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. Its accentuated tactility provides a pleasant tactile bump at the actuation point without overwhelming the user, leading to a comfortable and refined typing experience. The switch is polished, ensuring minimal friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall feel. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch's precise feel is largely unknown. Linear switches typically provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, which may lead to a different typing experience compared to the tactile nature of the Gold Brown. While the Sunset Gleam's feel is less defined, it is typically expected to deliver a fluid keystroke that focuses on linearity rather than tactility.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Sunset Gleam switches present two distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences. The Gold Brown combines a gentle sound and tactile feedback with a polished feel, suited for users who appreciate a balanced, responsive switch. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam emphasizes a satisfying auditory feedback and a purely linear typing experience, though the specifics of its tactile feel remain less clarified. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel; each can deliver satisfying results for different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, then the Gold Browns are an excellent fit. They are great for a variety of tasks, whether you’re typing at home, working, or gaming, thanks to their moderate weight and neutral sound profile. This makes them approachable for both beginners and seasoned users alike, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke with a lighter bottom-out force, the HMX Sunset Gleam could be the ideal choice for you. Known for its buttery feel and subtle top-out sound, it delivers a satisfying clack that is perfect for those who enjoy a linear switch experience and prefer quieter yet enjoyable keystrokes. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the environments in which you’ll be using these switches; this will guide you toward making the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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