TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Swift 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 Swift offer unique qualities to consider. The Gold Brown switch is praised for its balanced nature, offering a slight bump and moderate weightiness that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Swift switch stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Gold Brown is known for its neutral and buttery feel, the Swift is characterized by its clacky and feathery attributes. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Swift, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity suggests that both switches may provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound, albeit with slight variations depending on other factors.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the TTC Gold Brown features a polycarbonate material while the HMX Swift uses nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound profile produced by the nylon top housing of the Swift. This contrast highlights how different housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Swift may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Swift's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a similar nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile. Overall, the different housing materials in these switches showcase the importance of material choice in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the lighter 42 grams of the Swift. Similarly, the Gold Brown also requires more force to bottom out at 63 grams compared to the Swift's 50 grams, making the Gold Brown overall a heavier switch in terms of force requirements. This means that typing on the Gold Brown switch may feel more substantial and require more effort compared to the lighter and more responsive typing experience provided by the Swift switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter and effortless typing experience or a heavier and more tactile one.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Swift, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1 mm may be negligible for many users, and both switches can provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience depending on individual preferences.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 more neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and use cases. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch provides a sharper and more percussive sound, known for its clacky signature. Both switches can produce different sound profiles depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch is often described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. On the contrary, the HMX Swift switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light and responsive typing feel with a silky smoothness. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown switch and the HMX Swift switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and approachable typing experience with soft, rounded sound, the Swift switch stands out with its deep and clacky sound profile paired with a silky smooth feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver satisfying results for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a balanced switch with a satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, the Gold Brown may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and a silky smooth typing experience, the Swift switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you value tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider your typing style and preferences before making your selection.
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