TTC Gold Red vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing various options to determine which best suits their typing style. The TTC Gold Red and HMX Gravel are both linear switches, yet they offer different experiences that cater to diverse preferences. The Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience combined with a light-medium resistance, featuring a snappy sound profile that adds a subtle character to your keystrokes without being overly loud. Its characteristics are described as thocky and polished, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of performance and understated elegance. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switches are known for their exceptional smoothness and refined feel, with a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless typing experience. While the Gravel excels in delivering a more lightweight touch, it still maintains a satisfying smoothness that attracts many users. Both switches offer compelling reasons to choose them, depending on whether you're after a bit of sound personality or a purely smooth engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and HMX Gravel switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, specifically their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This characteristic allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making both switches an excellent choice for users who appreciate clarity in their typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate further enhances aesthetic appeal, especially for those integrating RGB lighting into their setups, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. As a result, whether one chooses the Gold Red or the Gravel, users can expect a similar sound experience from the top housing.
The bottom housing of both the Gold Red and HMX Gravel switches is made from nylon, a classic material renowned for its characteristics in switch design. Nylon’s relatively softer plastic composition contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and creating a more muted, round quality. This shared material choice means that when typing on either switch, users will experience a more cushioned bottom-out feel; the sound produced upon hitting the base of the switch will be softer and less harsh. This result is consistent for both models, making them appealing options for users seeking a more rounded auditory experience when typing.
Despite the identical materials used in both the top and bottom housings, the overall sound and feel experience of the Gold Red and HMX Gravel switches can still be influenced by the interaction of these components. While the polycarbonate top contributes to clarity and brightness in sound during key release, the nylon bottom provides the crucial depths and fullness during key presses. Users can expect that this combination results in a harmonious interplay, offering a balanced auditory feedback regardless of the chosen model. Thus, whether opting for the TTC Gold Red or the HMX Gravel, typists will garner similar, enjoyable experiences rooted in the shared qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces, each measuring 50 grams. However, they differ slightly in their actuation forces, with the Gold Red requiring 43 grams to actuate, making it the lighter option, while the Gravel has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This distinction means that users who prefer a lighter touch and extended typing sessions may gravitate towards the Gold Red for its reduced actuation force, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial feel under their fingers may find the Gravel more appealing due to its increased actuation force. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar bottoming out experience, but their actuation forces cater to different user preferences regarding weight and feedback during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Gold Red boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gravel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Gold Red offers a more pronounced key press, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience, especially those who favor a hearty depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gravel’s shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm caters to users, particularly gamers, who seek quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. As such, those who prioritize responsiveness and speed might find the Gravel to be a better choice. Overall, the Gold Red provides the longer travel distance, allowing for a more traditional feel, while the Gravel’s appeal lies in its shorter, more responsive design.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switches deliver a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that strikes a delightful balance between depth and clarity. This quality gives them a satisfying thud upon actuation while remaining unobtrusive, making them suitable for use in various environments, from quiet home offices to collaborative workspaces. The neutral sound signature allows for a versatile experience, ensuring users can enjoy the satisfying feedback without it becoming overwhelming. Unfortunately, the sound characteristics of the HMX Gravel linear switch are unknown, so a direct comparison cannot be made.
When examining the tactile feel of these switches, the Gold Red switches are celebrated for their mild, silky, and polished nature, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for both beginners and seasoned users alike. The subtle resistance provides just enough feedback to enhance typing accuracy without being demanding, allowing for a smooth and refined key travel experience. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Gravel switches is also unknown, making it challenging to assess how their performance may stack up against the Gold Red in terms of tactile sensation.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red linear switches stand out for their pleasing sound profile and exceptional typing feel, the HMX Gravel linear switch remains an enigma with no specific details on its sound or feel attributes. Therefore, if you're looking for an extraordinary typing experience with a well-rounded sound, the Gold Red switch is an excellent option to consider. However, without further information on the Gravel switches, it's difficult to make a comparative judgment on their overall performance in these areas. Users seeking a refined and satisfying typing experience would likely find that both switches would deliver commendable results, albeit with the Gold Reds having clearer documented qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when determining whether to choose the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the HMX Gravel linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a keyboard that provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a mild but snappy sound profile, the Gold Red is an excellent choice. Its low-pitched, thocky nature combined with a polished feel makes it versatile enough for both work and home environments, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more refined and effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel switch may be more suited to your needs. With its smooth action and slightly lighter resistance, you can enjoy responsive keystrokes that enhance your typing speed and comfort. Ultimately, both switches offer light actuation forces ideal for extended use, so your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the personality of the Gold Red's sound or the subtler, more refined feel of the Gravel.
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