TTC Gold Red Pro vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Lucky linear switches stand out for their unique attributes while catering to similar preferences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is lauded for its remarkable versatility, seamlessly blending into various environments, whether you're gaming, working, or typing leisurely. Its polished feel and thocky sound make it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a balanced auditory experience without being overly loud or too quiet. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch features a softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a lightweight and satisfying typing experience. While both switches are linear and emphasize smooth key presses, the Gold Red Pro boasts a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for any situation, while the Lucky switch leans towards a more tactile delight. Each switch brings its own set of benefits, making them worthy contenders based on personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Lucky, notable differences emerge between their top housings. The Gold Red Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both clear and resonant. This characteristic is largely attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing it to transmit sound more vividly. Additionally, the material's translucency enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for users who desire illuminated keys. In contrast, the HMX Lucky is equipped with a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, offers a sound profile that is deeper and fuller but also duller compared to polycarbonate. This inherent softness absorbs sound waves, dampening the sharper frequencies and creating a more rounded auditory experience, which might appeal to users looking for a more muted keystroke sound.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a similar auditory quality for the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. With the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches, users can expect a consistent, deeper sound with less vibrancy, as this material absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic ensures that whether typing on the Gold Red Pro or the Lucky, the user will experience a satisfying bottom-out feel and sound, promoting a uniform experience in terms of tactile feedback across both switches.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and HMX Lucky differ significantly in their top housing materials, they share a common ground with nylon in the bottom. This combination leads to a blended experience for the user, with the Gold Red Pro offering a sharper release sound due to its polycarbonate top, while the Lucky provides a deeper, more muted response. Therefore, while the auditory profiles feature distinct qualities, the complementary nature of their bottom housings ensures that both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we can see some distinct differences in actuation force. The Gold Red Pro has a higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Lucky, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference suggests that users looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Gold Red Pro, while those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Lucky. While the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, the Lucky's bottom out force is recorded at 43 grams, indicating that both switches offer a firm feel when pressed to the limit. Overall, the HMX Lucky is the lighter switch, making it likely more suitable for prolonged use, whereas the TTC Gold Red Pro, being heavier in actuation, could provide a more robust tactile experience for those who prefer firmer switches.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressed, both switches offer the same key press depth, resulting in a similar tactile experience for users. The equal travel distance ensures that typists and gamers can expect comparable responsiveness and feel between the two switches, making either choice suitable for those who prioritize key travel in their keyboard setup. As both switches share this characteristic, users can confidently select either without worrying about differences in travel distance affecting their performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
When comparing the sound profile of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Gold Red Pro presents a noteworthy low-pitched and thocky sound that typically provides a deep, rich audio feedback during use. Its neutral sound signature makes it versatile, as it can blend seamlessly into various environments, whether it’s an office space or a gaming setup. The sound quality is quite approachable for users, making it effective for both beginners and experienced typists alike. Unfortunately, specifics regarding the sound profile of the HMX Lucky switch are not provided, leaving it unclear how it compares audibly to the Gold Red Pro.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro demonstrates a polished, silky, and mild typing experience. Its design prioritizes smoothness, reducing friction for a comfortable and refined key travel that accommodates diverse user preferences. This subtle yet satisfying feel is ideal for those seeking a gentle typing experience in various contexts, offering an approachable resistance without overwhelming tactility. However, similar details about the tactile response and feel of the HMX Lucky switch are absent, creating a gap in the comparison that prevents any conclusions on its tactile merits or drawbacks.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch excels in delivering a low-pitched, thocky sound combined with a silky and polished typing feel, the HMX Lucky linear switch lacks the available information necessary for a comprehensive comparison. Both switches cater to users who value a neutral and versatile experience, suggesting that if they do share any commonalities in sound or feel, those could yield similar results in general usability. However, without concrete characteristics for the Lucky switch, a definitive verdict on its performance remains elusive.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you seek an ultra-smooth and polished typing experience, the Gold Red Pro is your best bet, especially if you value versatility across various use cases like gaming, general typing, or professional work. Its lightweight actuation and neutral sound profile allow for an unobtrusive yet satisfying keypress, making it suitable for shared environments. On the other hand, if you appreciate a softer typing experience with a unique aesthetic appeal, the Lucky switch could be the ideal choice for you. Its lighter bottom-out force and “glittery” nylon construction promise a deeply satisfying feel, which may be especially appealing for those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive sensation while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize smooth versatility or an aesthetically satisfying lightweight feel in your typing experience.
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