TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Twilight stand out for their distinct characteristics, catering to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown switch is celebrated for its balanced experience, combining a gentle tactile bump with a moderate weight, which offers a pleasant feedback for typists who enjoy a tactile sensation without excessive noise. Its rounded sound profile is softer than many alternatives, making it an excellent choice for both office and home environments where a quiet workspace is desired. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch is a linear switch known for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that enhances speed and fluidity. With its slightly quieter operation, the Twilight maintains the signature clacky nature of HMX switches but is tailored for those who prefer a seamless typing experience without tactile feedback. While both switches have their merits, whether you lean towards browns for that tactile reassurance or twilights for smooth, swift action, it's important to delve deeper into what each switch offers so you can make the best choice for your typing style.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

HMX Twilight Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Twilight, one can observe notable differences in their top housings, which significantly affect the switches' sound profiles. The Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness that promotes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This clarity makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effect of the lights. In contrast, the Twilight features a nylon top housing, which is traditionally softer and absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is generally rounder and less resonant than its polycarbonate counterpart. As a result, users who prefer a more pronounced and clear sound may lean towards the Gold Brown, while those who enjoy a softer auditory experience may favor the Twilight.

When analyzing the bottom housings of both switches, there is a uniformity in material choice, as both the Gold Brown and Twilight utilize nylon. This decision underscores nylon's reliability and popularity in the keyboard switch industry due to its ability to absorb sound and create a rich, full sound profile. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when activating the switch, both models will share this common auditory characteristic. Thus, despite their different top housing materials, the deeper resonances produced by the nylon bottom in both switches create a consistent performance in terms of sound when bottoming out.

Combining these two housing types offers a multifaceted auditory experience: the Gold Brown’s polycarbonate top provides clarity when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom maintains a fuller sound upon key activation. Conversely, the Twilight utilizes its nylon top housing to retain a softer sound upon release, complemented by the same nylon bottom housing for a consistent auditory sensation. Consequently, while the two switches highlight distinctly different characteristics in the top housing, their shared bottom design establishes common ground. Users can expect a similar sound profile during bottom-out, showcasing the importance of both materials in delivering unique yet comparable experiences across different switch types.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Twilight switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Twilight notably easier to press, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, which is ideal for users seeking a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gold Brown's heavier force provides a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for typing or gaming, resulting in a more tactile experience. Overall, if you favor a heavier switch for a grounded and pronounced feel, the TTC Gold Brown is the better choice, while the HMX Twilight caters to those who appreciate a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the two show a notable difference. The Gold Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional standard and offers a deeper feel, ideal for users who prefer a more tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a travel distance of 3.85 mm, making it slightly shorter and a better option for those who favor a quicker response time, such as gamers. While both switches provide a satisfying feel, the Gold Brown's longer travel distance of 4 mm will likely appeal to those who enjoy more pronounced feedback, while the Twilight's 3.85 mm distance caters to those seeking efficiency. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the HMX Twilight would be the better choice, whereas the TTC Gold Brown might be preferable for a more traditional, hearty typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a rounded sound profile that is notably softer than many other mechanical switches but still carries a moderate volume. This neutral sound makes it quite versatile, suitable for both home and office environments without being overly disruptive. The subtle sound makes it approachable for users at any experience level. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch, while maintaining a quieter sound, promotes the classic "clacky" characteristics synonymous with HMX switches. This combination creates a typing experience that lacks the pronounced auditory feedback typical of tactile switches, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more understated soundscape.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown offers a mild experience characterized by a gentle actuation and a satisfying tactile bump. This quality allows for a typing sensation that is accessible and balanced, making it ideal for users who want a smooth transition between bottoming out and lift-off. The tactile nature of the Gold Brown ensures a pleasant interaction without being overly aggressive. On the other hand, there's limited information available regarding the feel of the HMX Twilight switch. Generally, linear switches tend to offer a continuous keystroke experience without tactile bumps, signifying that the feel would be smoother and more fluid compared to the Gold Brown's tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Twilight switches each bring unique characteristics to the table. The Gold Brown's soft sound and balanced tactile feel make it a wonderful choice for typing environments that require discretion and comfort. The Twilight, while quieter, leans into the linear feel typical of its kind, promoting a more seamless keystroke experience. Ultimately, while the Gold Brown offers pronounced tactility and a mild auditory signature, the Twilight emphasizes a quieter and smoother approach, making the choice between them depend significantly on personal typing preferences and desired feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a balanced typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium actuation force of 63 grams combined with its mild yet polished feel makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable rhythm whether you're at work or home. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke and enjoy quicker, smoother transitions between key presses, the HMX Twilight switch would be more appropriate. With its 50-gram bottom out force and extended travel distance, this linear switch caters to a more fluid typing style while maintaining a quieter profile—ideal for those who may be in shared or quieter environments. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you in your keyboard experience: the tactile feedback and balance of the Gold Brown or the lightness and smoothness of the Twilight.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more