TTC Gold Red vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red and HMX Hibiscus cater to different preferences and styles while both falling under the linear switch category. The Gold Red is renowned for its buttery smooth typing experience characterized by a light-medium resistance and a snappy sound profile, striking a balance that adds a touch of personality without overwhelming the senses. Its classification as 'Thocky,' 'Low-pitched,' and 'Silky' highlights its neutral yet polished feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus stands out with its ultra-light actuation force, making it a top choice for those seeking an effortless and speedy response. It boasts a satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound signature, appealing to users who thrive on auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches provide unique advantages—whether it be the subtlety of the Gold Red or the vividness of the Hibiscus—there's more beneath the surface to consider. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Hibiscus switches showcase significant differences in their sound profiles and overall acoustic properties due to their varying structural compositions. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more crisply articulated sound. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clear and resonant sound that enhances the experience, particularly when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus utilizes a nylon top housing, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a rounder and less piercing auditory experience. This contrasts with the Gold Red’s design, which is tailored to deliver a brighter sound profile that may appeal to users who favor clarity and definition in their key presses.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to some commonalities in their tactile and auditory feedback during use. In both cases, the nylon bottom housing helps create a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a consistent and plush bottom-out feel that can enhance typing comfort. The use of nylon is noteworthy, as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, ensuring that the overall auditory experience remains rounded and smooth. This similarity in the bottom housing means that while the Gold Red and Hibiscus can differ dramatically in their upper acoustics, the feel and sound produced during bottom-out will closely resemble each other, generating a seamless typing experience.
When comparing both switches, the key distinguishing factor is the materials used for the top housing, which ultimately shapes the sound characteristics experienced while typing. With the Gold Red employing a polycarbonate top, users may enjoy a sharper response during actuation, while the Hibiscus’s nylon top will provide a more mellow sound when releasing keys. This interplay between the top and bottom housing properties suggests that the overall acoustic and typing experiences can cater to varied user preferences. For those who appreciate a bright and clear sound, the Gold Red may be the more appealing choice, whereas users preferring a fuller, softer response might gravitate towards the Hibiscus. In this manner, both switches exemplify how housing materials can influence and enhance key performance in distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, both options are characterized by their light feel, making them suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. The Gold Red features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Hibiscus has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Hibiscus switch is marginally lighter overall, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. While both switches offer a similar actuation force and bottom out experience, the Hibiscus ultimately provides a slightly softer push, appealing to those who prioritize lightness. Thus, if you’re seeking a switch with a lighter feel, the HMX Hibiscus may be the preferable choice, while the TTC Gold Red is still an excellent option for those who appreciate a tad more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, there is a distinct difference that caters to varying preferences among users. The Gold Red features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, offering a more traditional and deeper feel which many users may find more satisfying and substantial. In contrast, the Hibiscus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which aligns well with the trend towards quicker response times favored by gamers. This shorter distance allows for faster actuation, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, if you appreciate deeper key travel and a more pronounced keystroke, the Gold Red is the better choice, whereas if you prefer the agility brought by a reduced travel distance, the Hibiscus would serve you well.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 profiles of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Gold Red switches are noted for their thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound characteristics. This means that they produce a deep and rich noise when actuated, reminiscent of a soft thud or knock, which can be satisfying without drawing overt attention. Their moderate sound profile makes them versatile for various environments, suitable for both professional and casual settings. In contrast, the sound profile of the Hibiscus switches remains unknown, leaving it open to personal discovery. However, it can be expected that they have a unique auditory character that might differentiate them from the Gold Red.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches are celebrated for providing a mild and silky typing experience. They offer gentle resistance that balances comfort and performance, making them approachable for all types of users. This subtlety is complemented by a polished finish that minimizes friction, leading to smooth key travel. Conversely, details regarding the feel of the Hibiscus switches are unspecified, which means potential users are left to explore their tactile experience. Given their reputation for smoothness, one might anticipate a refined typing experience, but without direct feedback, this remains speculation.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched sound and smooth, polished feel, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch presents an air of mystery regarding its audio and tactile qualities. If a user seeks a switch with a lively and balanced auditory aesthetic, the Gold Red will likely meet their needs. Ultimately, the Hibiscus could offer a unique experience as well; however, the absence of definitive characteristics regarding sound and feel means that exploring it will yield the most accurate insights. Both switches promise quality performance, but the Gold Red provides clear, established traits for the newcomer to consider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between TTC Gold Red linear switches and HMX Hibiscus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, then the Gold Red is a solid choice for you. Its light actuation force of 50 grams, along with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, makes it suitable for both casual and work environments, allowing for a comfortable experience even during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for an ultra-light actuation switch that delivers an unmatched smoothness coupled with a clacky and poppy sound signature, the HMX Hibiscus would better suit your needs. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, you might prefer the Hibiscus for a more dynamic and lively typing experience, especially if you enjoy the auditory feedback that comes with a satisfying sound profile. So, consider your typing habits and the ambiance in which you will be using your keyboard when deciding between these two excellent switches.
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