TTC Gold Red vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out in the realm of linear switches: the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Lucky. The Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing feel and light-medium resistance, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use. Its low-pitched snappy sound profile adds a subtle yet unique character to the keyboard experience without being overwhelming, making it suitable for both gaming and typing scenarios. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches, with their softer and glittery nylon housings, provide a lightweight typing experience that is equally satisfying and neutral. This makes them appealing for users who prefer a more effortless keystroke while still enjoying a comfortable feel beneath their fingers. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages, catering to different preferences and styles of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Lucky switches present a fascinating contrast in terms of their acoustics and tactile feedback. The Gold Red's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This choice enhances the clarity and resonance of the auditory experience when typing, making every keystroke defined and articulate. The use of a translucent top housing is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as polycarbonate allows the light to shine through, creating vibrant visual effects. In contrast, the HMX Lucky features a top housing made from nylon, a classic material that yields a noticeably deeper and rounder sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to a more subdued auditory experience, absorbing sound more effectively than its harder counterpart.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, similarities arise that lead to comparable acoustic results. Both the Gold Red and the Lucky employ nylon for their bottom housings. As noted, nylon's inherent properties afford a richer and fuller sound profile, which translates to a pleasant, muted typing experience across both models. While the top housing of the Gold Red introduces a brighter tone, the softer nylon bottom housing ultimately softens that sound, creating a cohesive auditory experience when the key is bottomed out. Therefore, while the actions each switch produces may differ slightly in tonal quality due to their top housings, the unified use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures that users will enjoy a similar fullness and depth with each keystroke.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings highlights how distinct materials can work together to produce nuanced typing experiences. In the Gold Red, the sharpness of the polycarbonate top contrasts with the plush softness of the nylon bottom to create a unique auditory signature that appeals to those who prefer a clearer sound. The HMX Lucky, with its fully nylon construction, offers a more consistent, rounder note that some users may find more soothing and less harsh. In both cases, the characteristics of the materials significantly influence the feel and sound of the switches, revealing that even with differing top housing materials, the underlying nylon foundations provide an enriching sound profile that many typists appreciate.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we see both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lucky is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the HMX Lucky switch requires less force to initiate a keystroke compared to the Gold Red, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Gold Red, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Lucky is the better choice, while the TTC Gold Red will cater to users favoring a heavier actuation.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This distinction makes the Gold Red the longer travel option, appealing to those who favor a more pronounced key press that provides a satisfying depth. On the other hand, the Lucky's 3.8 mm travel distance caters to users seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances typically allow for faster actuation, which can be a significant advantage for gamers. Overall, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience and a lack of abruptness, the HMX Lucky may suit you better. Conversely, if you value a more robust feel in your keystrokes, the TTC Gold Red would be the ideal choice.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switches are known for their thocky and low-pitched auditory profile, which contributes to a gratifying typing experience. The deep, rich tone produced upon actuation resembles a soft thud, making it appealing for those who enjoy a resonant sound without being overly pronounced. This neutral sound profile ensures that it works well in various environments, be it at home or in a workplace setting. Without specific descriptors for the HMX Lucky switches, we can infer that they likely have a more generalized sound profile. The absence of detailed sound characteristics might suggest a less pronounced acoustic experience compared to the Gold Red, but how they perform could vary significantly based on the keyboard they are housed in and the type of keycaps used.
As for feel, the Gold Red switches excel with qualities like mildness, silkiness, subtle resistance, and a polished typing experience. This combination creates a gentle yet satisfying tactile sensation, allowing for smooth key presses while minimizing any needless friction. The refined design also ensures nearly seamless actuation, enhancing the overall comfort for long typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Lucky switches is currently unknown, leaving a gap in comparison regarding their tactile attributes. If they offer any notable qualities in terms of resistance or smoothness, those would play a significant role in influencing user satisfaction.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red linear switches provide a rich sound and polished feel that caters to a wide range of typists—thanks to their distinctive thocky sound and incredibly smooth actuation—the characteristics of the HMX Lucky switches remain undisclosed. If you're looking for a switch that ensures an engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Gold Red is a clear contender. However, if you lean towards finding a switch that might offer a more neutral typing experience, it may be worth exploring the Lucky switches further to determine how they compare once full information is available.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, it’s vital to consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you value a smooth typing experience coupled with a lightly snappy auditory response, the Gold Red switch could be your ideal choice. With its 50-gram bottom-out force and a sound profile that leans towards thocky and low-pitched, it lends a refined balance that’s suitable for various settings, whether at home or in an office. On the other hand, if you prefer something even lighter with a neutral feel, the Lucky switch—featuring a softer 43-gram bottom-out force—might be more appealing. Its delightful, soft typing experience can provide hours of comfort, especially for long typing sessions, while maintaining a more understated auditory presence that's ideal in quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your tactile and auditory preferences but also the contexts in which you typically type.
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