TTC Gold Red vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and the HMX KD200 stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smooth feel and light-medium resistance, which allows for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Its low-pitched and subtle sound profile brings a polished touch to your keyboard without overwhelming your environment. On the other hand, the HMX KD200, known as the clackiest switch in the HMX Film family, promises a more pronounced auditory feedback that might appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic sound while typing. While the Gold Red focuses on providing a smooth and subdued experience, the KD200 caters to users who appreciate a more engaging tactile sensation and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch suits your typing style and preferences.
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the HMX KD200, distinct differences in their top housing construction emerge, leading to varied auditory experiences. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and prominent translucency, enhancing the clarity and sharpness of the sound produced. This material's rigidity allows the switch to produce a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is utilized. In contrast, the KD200 utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material that offers a softer and more absorbent quality. The result is a switch that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as the nylon’s ability to dampen vibrations dulls the sharpness typical of harder materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and KD200 share the same nylon material, offering consistency in the auditory experience from the bottom portion of each switch. Nylon being a classic switch housing material is adept at absorbing sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound when a key is bottomed out. This similarity in bottom housing leads to comparable tactile feedback and depth in the sound profile, regardless of the differences observed in their top housings. Consequently, while the top housings contribute varying sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a cohesive and grounded auditory feedback during typing.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Red and HMX KD200 exhibit contrasting properties in their top housings, their matching nylon bottom housings contribute equally to the auditory experience. The polycarbonate top on the Gold Red introduces clarity and sharpness, whereas the nylon top on the KD200 provides warmth and depth. Ultimately, this blend of materials dictates the overall sound dynamics; the Gold Red's unique sound profile is complemented by the fuller impact of the nylon bottom, while the KD200 maintains a consistent balance of sound due to its usage of nylon in both sections. Users may gravitate towards one or the other based on their sound preference, but both switches will deliver an engaging typing experience rooted in the complimentary qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, both share a similar bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they provide a consistent resistance when fully pressed down. However, their actuation forces differ slightly; the Gold Red requires an actuation force of 43 grams, while the KD200 requires 45 grams. Consequently, the TTC Gold Red switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX KD200's slightly heavier actuation force may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel, enhancing the typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a light feel, but the Gold Red edges out as the lighter choice for those prioritizing comfort over extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, the Gold Red offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the KD200 features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.5 mm difference reflects varying user preferences: gamers and those seeking quicker response times may gravitate towards the KD200's shorter distance for a more immediate tactile feedback, whereas users who appreciate a more substantial feel might favor the Gold Red's traditional 4 mm travel. The Gold Red's longer travel can provide a more pronounced bottoming out sensation, which is preferred by those who find shorter distances too abrupt. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your key presses, the HMX KD200 would be the better option, whereas the TTC Gold Red caters to those who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate keystroke.
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 KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 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 linear switches produce a distinctive thocky and low-pitched tone that offers a deep and satisfying acoustic experience. This sound profile is akin to a gentle thud or soft knock, which makes it a versatile choice for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The sound is neutral and balanced, ensuring that it doesn’t overpower the auditory environment, making it suitable even in shared spaces. In contrast, the HMX KD200 switches are noted to be the clackiest in the HMX Film switch family, suggesting that they will deliver a sharper, more pronounced sound when activated. However, specifics regarding their sound profile beyond that characteristic are currently unknown. Therefore, if you prefer a quieter or mellower typing experience, the Gold Red would likely be the better option; on the other hand, if you seek a more expressive auditory feedback, the KD200 might cater to that preference.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switches excel with their mild and silky texture that offers an incredibly smooth typing experience. They strike a balance with subtle resistance and polished feel, which provides users with an approachable experience, making them well-suited for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. This smoother touch minimizes user fatigue and enhances typing speed due to smoother key travel, making them ideal for long typing sessions. The feel of the HMX KD200 switches, however, is not documented, leaving a gap in understanding how they compare in terms of tactile response and overall typing experience. Until more information is available, it’s difficult to ascertain how they measure up in the tactile domain.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out for its thocky, low-pitched sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel that appeals to a broad audience. Its gentle resistance makes it suitable for both work and play, while its sound characteristics maintain a neutral presence. Conversely, the HMX KD200’s clackiness suggests a vibrant auditory experience, although the specifics of their feel remain a mystery. Depending on your preferences, if you prioritize a rich, manageable sound and silky feel, the Gold Red switches would serve you well. However, if you’re inclined toward a switch with a more dynamic auditory feedback, you might explore the KD200 as a possibility, albeit with unknown tactile qualities.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you favor a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the Gold Red is an excellent choice. Its thocky sound profile and subtle, polished feel make it suitable for both work and play, providing a sense of sophistication without drawing too much attention. This switch is particularly appealing if you plan to use your keyboard in shared spaces, thanks to its neutral sound and mild resistance. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more pronounced auditory experience and enjoy the additional character that comes with a clackier sound, the HMX KD200 would be the better option. Its unique sound profile offers an exciting tactile feedback that can enhance typing pleasure, particularly for those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress. In summary, opt for the Gold Red for an all-around smooth and understated experience, while the KD200 is your go-to if you're looking to inject some vibrant sound into your keystrokes.
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