TTC Gold Pink vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique advantages to users. The Gold Pink, with its 37g actuation force, provides a light and effortless typing experience perfect for fast typists and gamers. It offers a satisfying feedback with a clacky sound, making typing an enjoyable and efficient task. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, attributed to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Gold Pink is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Swift is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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 Pink and the HMX Swift, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing materials means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
However, a key difference between the two switches lies in the top housing material. The Gold Pink utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Swift's top housing is made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold Pink. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches can significantly impact the typing experience. While both the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Swift use nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Gold Pink offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Swift provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Understanding the qualities of different housing materials can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required for typing. The Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making the Gold Pink slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Gold Pink at 45 grams is also lighter than the Swift's 50 grams. Both switches offer a smooth and seamless typing experience with minimal force required, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Despite the slight difference in length, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for switches. The Gold Pink offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Swift's slightly shorter travel distance may be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 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 Pink is known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX Swift offers a deeper sound due to its full nylon housings, providing a smoother and more subdued typing experience. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, with the Gold Pink being more crisp and bright, while the Swift offers a silkier sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These qualities imply a smooth, gentle, and light typing experience that is effortless and comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel with a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Pink emphasizing lightness and smoothness, while the Swift focuses on ease of pressing and rebound feedback.
Overall, the TTC Gold Pink and HMX Swift switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Pink is lightweight, clacky, and delivers a lively typing experience, the Swift provides a deeper sound profile, silky smoothness, and easy-to-press feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a lighter, more clacky sound with a buttery feel, the Gold Pink may be the better choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a deeper sound and easy-to-press keys with a creamy sensation, the HMX Swift switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and setups will help determine which one suits your preferences the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Pink linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. If you value a very light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, then the Gold Pink switch with its 45g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper sound profile with a silky smooth feel and a 50g bottom out force, then the HMX Swift linear switch may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Pink and Swift switches will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.
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