TTC Gold Red Pro vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out for their unique attributes: the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Twilight. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility and ease of press, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of activities—from intense gaming sessions to focused office work. Its neutral sound profile ensures it fits seamlessly into any environment, appealing to users who prefer a subtle auditory backdrop. In contrast, the HMX Twilight showcases a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, which enhances the typing experience while retaining a uniquely clacky sound that fans of HMX switches love. This switch may be ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during their typing, making it great for both leisurely and fast-paced gaming scenarios. While both switches are linear and cater to specific typing styles, their distinctions in travel distance, sound profile, and usage adaptability offer a diverse range of benefits to consider. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Twilight, it’s evident that they utilize different materials for their top housings, which produces distinct sound profiles. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature, which creates a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This choice enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, making it particularly effective alongside RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Twilight's use of nylon for the top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches share excellent sound attributes, they evoke contrasting acoustic characteristics stemming primarily from their top housing materials.
On the other hand, both the Gold Red Pro and the Twilight utilize nylon for their bottom housings, bringing them together in terms of their foundational sound qualities. The choice of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches contributes to a deeper and more robust sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the top housing differences, both switches provide a certain level of fullness and depth when actuating the keys, primarily influenced by the nylon material below. Consequently, users can expect a similar performance from them when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, highlighting the significant impact the bottom housing has in this aspect.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and HMX Twilight diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Gold Red Pro producing a sharper sound and nylon for the Twilight yielding a rounder sound—they share a commonality in their bottom housing design. This similarity ensures that, irrespective of the distinct acoustic profiles set by their upper halves, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, creating a hybrid contrast of sound qualities. Therefore, even with varying top materials and associated sound traits, users can expect to achieve a comparable level of auditory satisfaction, particularly when the keys bottom out.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find that the Gold Red Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, while the Twilight requires only 42 grams to actuate a keystroke. This difference might appeal to users who prefer a marginally firmer feel during typing. However, when considering the bottom out force, the situation becomes less clear for the Gold Red Pro, as its bottom out force is unavailable, making a direct comparison impossible. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the switch is fully pressed down. As such, while both switches are relatively light regarding actuation, the Twilight offers a heavier overall feel due to its defined bottom out force. Users seeking a switch that promotes comfort over extended typing sessions might lean towards the Gold Red Pro for its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Twilight better suited due to its heavier bottoming out feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch features a travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Gold Red Pro the shorter option, providing a slightly less deep experience compared to the Twilight. For those who seek quicker response times, the Gold Red Pro may appeal due to its shorter travel distance, aligning well with the modern trend favoring responsiveness, particularly among gamers. Conversely, the HMX Twilight, with its longer travel distance, might cater to users who prefer a more pronounced feeling with their keystrokes. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the subtle difference can influence user preference based on individual typing or gaming styles.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is recognized for its neutral sound signature, providing a well-balanced auditory experience that leans towards a low-pitched thock. This characteristic offers a satisfying, deep, and rich sound—a pleasant combination of thud and soft knock—that suits a wide variety of environments, whether gaming or working. The adaptability of its sound profile allows it to blend seamlessly into both casual and professional settings. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a slightly quieter sound that maintains the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. This subtlety in sound makes the Twilight an appealing option for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing a tactile feedback sensation.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro linear switch excels with its polished touch, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The switch offers a silky motion that minimizes resistance, resulting in effortless keystrokes and reduced friction during use. Additionally, with its mild and subtle characteristics, the Gold Red Pro provides a gentle typing experience that is suitable for beginners and experienced users alike. In contrast, the feel characteristics of the HMX Twilight remain unknown. Thus, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile sensations of the two switches.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences while sharing the potential for a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The TTC Gold Red Pro offers an excellent versatile option with a neutral sound and a polished, silky feel, making it a strong candidate for diverse typing scenarios. Meanwhile, the quieter HMX Twilight may appeal to those looking for reduced noise in their keystrokes while retaining a sense of quality. Users looking for a linear switch that balances sound and feel in a way that can serve various typing scenarios would likely find satisfaction in the TTC Gold Red Pro, while the HMX Twilight may be best explored further to understand its full experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you typically operate. If you're seeking a switch that provides a versatile and smooth typing experience, the Gold Red Pro is your best bet. Its neutral sound profile and polished, silky feel make it an excellent fit for a variety of scenarios, whether you're deep in a gaming session, typing away at office documents, or enjoying leisurely writing. This adaptability makes the Gold Red Pro suitable for those who value ease of use and want a switch that doesn't overpower the auditory environment around them. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a greater travel distance and don't mind a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Twilight could be the right option for you. Its distinctive characteristics, while quieter, still retain the clacky nature typical of linear switches, which can enhance your typing feedback while providing a unique experience. In essence, select the Gold Red Pro for a more universal approach to typing comfort and sound neutrality, and choose the Twilight if you appreciate a more tactile presence in your typing journey while still enjoying the smoothness of linear switches.
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