TTC Gold Red Pro vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam present compelling options that cater to diverse user preferences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience that feels equally at home during gaming marathons, professional office tasks, or casual writing sessions. Its neutral sound profile strikes a balance that can blend into any environment, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, is celebrated for its exceptional build quality, providing a delightful top-out feel along with a satisfying clack, enhanced by expert factory lubrication. While the Gold Red Pro promotes a silky and mild feel, the Sunset Gleam leans into a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a bit more auditory and tactile stimulation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing and gaming needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Pro Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam share a crucial similarity in their top housing material: both switches feature polycarbonate. This choice in material is instrumental in producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is notably crisp. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness contributes to a clearer resonance, making it an ideal choice for enhancing auditory feedback during use. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows these switches to effectively showcase RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing visual experience that complements their acoustic properties. As such, users can expect similar auditory outcomes when utilizing either switch, particularly due to the polycarbonate top housing that enhances sound clarity.

However, the bottom housing of the two switches varies, with both the Gold Red Pro and Sunset Gleam employing nylon. This classic switch housing material is recognized for its softer characteristics, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon construction absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. Although both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, users will notice that the distinct qualities contributed by the bottom housing material will influence the overall sound and feel of each switch when bottoming out. Therefore, while both switches feature nylon in the same role, the experience might vary slightly due to design and specific tuning choices.

In summary, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and HMX Sunset Gleam share a polycarbonate top housing which fosters a comparable auditory clarity and supports RGB lighting, they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings that creates a warm and rounded sound profile. The interplay between these materials will yield an engaging typing experience that combines crispness from the polycarbonate with depth from the nylon. Ultimately, users can anticipate enjoyable performance from both switches, as the characteristics of each material come together to offer a well-rounded feel and sound profile during their use.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gold Red Pro features an actuation force of 43 grams, which is slightly heavier than that of the Sunset Gleam at 42 grams. However, the Gold Red Pro does not have a specified bottom out force, making it challenging to directly compare that aspect. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is fully pressed down. Therefore, for users seeking a lighter typing experience ideal for prolonged use, the Sunset Gleam may be the preferable choice due to its marginally lower actuation force and its known bottom out force. Meanwhile, those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback may gravitate toward the TTC Gold Red Pro, despite the lack of bottom out force information, as its higher actuation force could provide a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Gold Red Pro measuring 3.8 mm and the Sunset Gleam measuring 3.5 mm. This makes the Sunset Gleam the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more rapid actuation. Conversely, the Gold Red Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing feel, providing a sense of depth that can enhance the overall tactile experience. While both are relatively close in travel distance, the distinction may influence user preference based on their desire for either responsiveness or depth in their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a well-rounded profile that is characterized as both thocky and low-pitched, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound reminiscent of a soft knock when pressed. Its neutral tone ensures it's appropriate for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office. In stark contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Sunset Gleam switch remain unspecified, leaving its auditory presence a mystery for now. However, users can expect the nuances of sound to be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice.

In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro excels due to its polished and silky nature, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses. This mild tactile feedback makes it approachable for users at any skill level, while its subtle characteristics create a typing experience that's perfect for shared workspaces. The HMX Sunset Gleam’s tactile feel is not detailed, so one cannot make a direct comparison. If it were to provide a similar polished feel, it would likely enhance the typing experience, but further information is needed to fully assess its attributes.

Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch stands out for its versatility in sound and feel, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an adaptable typing experience. While the Sunset Gleam's auditory and tactile qualities remain unclear, any switch that can match the smoothness and neutral sound profile of the Gold Red Pro will likely offer a similarly satisfying experience. Whether one opts for the Gold Red Pro or awaits more information on the Sunset Gleam, both types aim to provide enjoyable mechanical keyboard experiences that cater to various preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you value versatility and a seamless typing experience, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. With its buttery-smooth feel, thocky and neutral sound profile, and light typing resistance, it caters effortlessly to various environments—be it for gaming, office work, or casual typing. Conversely, if you prefer a bit more feedback with a satisfying sound, you might gravitate towards the HMX Sunset Gleam. These switches are renowned for their charming sound, which resonates with a subtle clack due to excellent materials and factory lube. In summary, if you appreciate a polished and silky typing experience that performs well universally, the TTC Gold Red Pro is likely the way to go. However, if you seek a distinct auditory experience in your typing, mixed with a light touch, the HMX Sunset Gleam will enhance your experience. Each switch has unique merits; thus, it’s all about aligning them with your priorities and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Pro Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more