TTC Gold Pink vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Twilight are two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences. The Gold Pink, celebrated for its featherlight 37g actuation force, is designed for typists and gamers seeking a fast and effortless experience. Its buttery and polished feel, combined with a satisfying clack, makes each keystroke lively and enjoyable, ideal for those who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight stands out with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, delivering a quieter yet still clacky typing experience. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes while maintaining the responsiveness of linear switches. Both switches offer unique benefits—whether you lean towards the Gold Pink for rapid performance or the Twilight for a more subdued but still engaging experience, each caters to specific typing 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and HMX Twilight switches feature distinctly different materials for their top housings, with the Gold Pink utilizing polycarbonate while the Twilight employs nylon. Polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity of keystrokes, making it particularly well-suited for setups featuring RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Twilight switch presents a softer sound characteristic, producing deeper and fuller tones that absorb sound rather than amplify it. This fundamental difference in material composition results in contrasting auditory experiences when typing, as the Gold Pink leans towards a brighter and more resonant sound while the Twilight delivers a more muted and rounder acoustic profile.
However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which establishes a layer of similarity in their overall sound profiles. The nylon material dampens vibrations and absorbs sound, contributing to a softer bottom-out sound and feel. In this context, both the TTC Gold Pink and HMX Twilight effectively produce a deeper, fuller auditory response as the bottom housing plays a substantial role in the typing experience, regardless of the top housing material. Therefore, while the top housings create diverging sound dynamics, the nylon bottom authentically unifies their acoustic output, ensuring that the overall typing experience retains a rich and rounded quality.
Ultimately, the interaction between the differing top housing materials and the consistent bottom housing creates a unique synergy in the performance of each switch. For the Gold Pink, the crispness from the polycarbonate top housing contrasts with the fullness provided by the nylon bottom, resulting in a sound profile that is both bright and rounded. Meanwhile, the Twilight's nylon top and bottom combination stays true to a consistently muted sound. As such, users can expect a primarily consistent response from both switches, albeit with distinct nuances introduced by the top housing materials. Thus, while they showcase contrasting characteristics in terms of sound and feel, both switches capitalize on the qualities of their shared nylon bottom housing to deliver satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both exhibit light characteristics when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ in their specific values. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option of the two. In contrast, the Twilight switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the TTC Gold Pink for its lower force requirements. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience could find the HMX Twilight's heavier forces more satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches are lightweight, the Gold Pink offers a softer touch compared to the slightly stiffer Twilight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it becomes clear that the Gold Pink is the longer option, featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight offers a shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. The difference in travel distance, albeit slight, suggests that users who favor longer travel might appreciate the Gold Pink for its more pronounced depth when pressed, which can provide a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Twilight's shorter 3.85 mm travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, often favored by gamers who appreciate the more immediate feedback from their keystrokes. Overall, for users who prioritize response and agility in their typing or gaming, selecting the Twilight may enhance performance, while those who prefer a more traditional feel might gravitate towards the Gold Pink.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 switch is characterized by its clacky sound, which is a pleasing auditory response that many will find satisfying. This clacky sound is enhanced by the switch's lively nature, making it particularly enjoyable during both fast-paced gaming and typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch also possesses clacky characteristics but is noted for its slightly quieter sound profile due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. This makes it a bit more subdued while still retaining a pleasant acoustic quality. Ultimately, while both switches can provide a delightful auditory experience, the Gold Pink leans toward a more pronounced sound, whereas the Twilight offers a more measured approach.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch is widely regarded for its buttery smoothness, coupled with a light actuation force of 37g that results in a feathery touch. Users often experience little resistance when pressing the keys, making it a wonderful choice for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The combination of smoothness and mild characteristics means that it appeals to a broad audience, offering an approachable feel. In contrast, details on the feel of the HMX Twilight switch are not provided, leaving us uncertain about its precise attributes. Without specific descriptors, we can't definitively compare their tactile sensations, but users can expect a linear switch that focuses on a smooth keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink and HMX Twilight switches present distinct sound profiles, with Gold Pink being more clacky and vibrant, while the Twilight opts for a quieter, equally pleasant sound. The feel of the Gold Pink is characterized by a buttery smoothness and light touch that may appeal to many users, although the tactile qualities of the Twilight remain unknown. Overall, while the Gold Pink offers a more defined and lively typing experience, the Twilight could serve those who prefer a quieter input, though it’s crucial to note that personal preferences, types of keyboards, and keycap choices will all influence the final experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a light and lively experience with minimal resistance, perfect for rapid typing or intense gaming sessions, the Gold Pink is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 37 grams not only facilitates quick keystrokes, but its buttery and feathery feel contributes to prolonged comfort during extended use. Additionally, if you desire a switch that offers some auditory feedback with a clacky sound, the Gold Pink will meet your needs nicely. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer feel with an extended travel distance, the HMX Twilight may be more suited to you. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers a more controlled typing experience. Its longer 3.85mm travel distance allows for a smoother path to bottoming out, while maintaining a quieter sound that can be advantageous in shared workspaces. If a polished and more subtle keystroke is what you're after, look no further than the Twilight. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value lighter actuation and quicker feedback or a more balanced and refined typing experience.
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