TTC Gold Pink vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Lucky offer two distinctive yet appealing options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Gold Pink, renowned for its remarkably light actuation force of 37g, caters to those who prioritize speed and ease in their typing, making it an ideal choice for rapid typists and gamers alike. Its clacky sound provides a touch of feedback that many find enjoyable, combining a lively feel with a polished finish. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky boasts a unique charm with its softer, glittery nylon housings, delivering a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience that some users may find more comfortable for extended sessions. The Lucky’s bouncy and clacky characteristics offer a different kind of tactile pleasure, appealing to those who appreciate a bit more feedback without sacrificing smoothness. Both switches shine in their own right—while the Gold Pink excels in speed, the Lucky provides a balance of comfort and auditory delight. 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
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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 Pink and the HMX Lucky switches, significant differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both clear and resonant. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances sound clarity, especially beneficial for RGB lighting setups thanks to its translucence. In contrast, the HMX Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound waves. As a result, the Gold Pink is adept at producing a brighter sound, while the Lucky leans towards a warmer, more rounded auditory experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gold Pink and the Lucky consist of nylon. With both switches employing this classic material, they share similar acoustic characteristics in the lower portion. As nylon is known for its sound-dampening properties, both switches will experience a deeper, fuller sound profile when pressed down. This similarity ensures that while the Gold Pink may excel in the higher frequencies thanks to its polycarbonate top, both switches will present a satisfying depth and softness at the bottom, creating an enjoyable typing experience that users might love.
Ultimately, the interplay of materials between the top and bottom housings of the switches plays a crucial role in determining their overall sound profile and feel. The Gold Pink’s combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom allows for a unique blend of brightness and depth, while the HMX Lucky maintains a consistent full sound throughout with its nylon components. Users seeking a distinct auditory signature may opt for the Gold Pink, whereas those preferring a more muted, classic sound experience may find the HMX Lucky more appealing. Regardless, the commonality in bottom housing ensures that users will appreciate some foundational similarities in sound and feel across both models.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink and HMX Lucky linear switches both exhibit light actuation forces, with the Gold Pink at 37 grams and the Lucky also at 37 grams, resulting in similar typing experiences for tasks requiring prolonged use, such as typing or gaming. When it comes to their bottom out forces, however, there is a notable difference: the Gold Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lucky's bottom out force is slightly lower at 43 grams. This indicates that the Gold Pink provides a bit more resistance when fully pressed down, giving users a slightly more substantial feel at the bottom of the stroke compared to the Lucky, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter overall experience. Thus, while both switches are equally light in actuation, the Gold Pink is marginally heavier when it comes to bottoming out, providing a choice for users depending on their preference for tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Lucky linear switches, we find that the Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky measures slightly less at 3.8 mm. This makes the Gold Pink the longer option, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys, which can provide a satisfying and hearty depth. On the other hand, the Lucky, with its shorter travel distance, aligns with the growing trend towards quicker response times favored by gamers, who often prefer the snappiness of shorter throws. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference—whether one prefers the more traditional and deeper feel of the Gold Pink or the faster response associated with the Lucky switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, which offers a bright and crisp auditory feedback as you type. This quality contributes to an engaging typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a noticeable acoustic element while using their keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky linear switch also has a clacky sound profile, which similarly produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating an equally captivating auditory feedback. The clacky nature of both switches enhances the typing experience, setting an energetic tone for users who appreciate a lively sound with each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch is noted for its buttery, mild, subtle, and polished characteristics. This means that it provides a smooth, fluid keystroke with a gentle resistance that feels approachable and comfortable for most users. The polished finish adds to a refined and sleek typing experience, minimizing friction. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch delivers a bouncy and silky feel, which gives a spring-like sensation coupled with an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Like the Gold Pink, the Lucky switch also boasts a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel as well. While their tactile sensations differ slightly—with the Gold Pink being more subdued and the Lucky more dynamic—both offer a refined and enjoyable typing experience.
In summary, both switches cater to users who appreciate a light and efficient typing experience, but they differ in their audible and tactile feedback. The TTC Gold Pink is distinguished by its clackiness and smoothness, while the HMX Lucky offers a similarly engaging sound alongside a bouncy and silky feel. Ultimately, while you may find different nuances in the typing experience between these two switches, both provide excellent pathways to a satisfying keyboard interaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a fast, responsive typing experience, especially for gaming or rapid typing sessions, then the Gold Pink switches may be the better choice for you. Their light actuation team with a buttery feel and engaging clacky sound can help you achieve speed without compromising comfort—perfect for those who enjoy a lively and animated typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that is smooth and neutral, the Lucky switches are an ideal option. Their bouncy feedback and silky feel provide a satisfying yet subdued sensation over extended typing periods, making them suitable for both casual typing and more dedicated work. The quieter and polished nature of the Lucky switches also makes them highly adaptable for use in shared or quieter environments. Overall, your choice should reflect what you value most: the lively and fast pace of the Gold Pink or the smooth and satisfying comfort of the Lucky.
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