TTC Gold Red vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options, each with its own unique feel and sound profile. The TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out with its buttery smooth typing experience and a light to medium level of resistance, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle yet responsive interaction. Its snappy sound, described as 'thocky' and 'low-pitched,' adds a hint of character to your keyboard while remaining subtly refined. In contrast, the HMX SU switch, constructed with a full PA12 housing and featuring a T5 stem, presents a deeper and more pronounced audio experience, ideal for users who enjoy a richer sound profile. While both switches cater to linear switch fans, the Gold Red leans towards a silky, polished feel, whereas the SU offers a more robust auditory presence. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on your personal typing preferences and aesthetic desires. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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
The TTC Gold Red and the HMX SU switches present distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Gold Red boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material’s translucency enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination that complements the clear design. In comparison, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. This leads to a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the crispness of the Gold Red. While both materials play pivotal roles in shaping the auditory experience, the choice of polycarbonate for the Gold Red prioritizes clarity and brightness, while the nylon of the HMX SU emphasizes warmth and depth.
When examining the bottom housings, both the TTC Gold Red and HMX SU employ nylon, marking a point of similarity in their design. The nylon material is indicative of classic switch design, resonating with a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing quality. This shared characteristic means that, despite the differences in their top housings, the sound delivery from the bottom will be consistent across both switches. The softness of the nylon bottom housing tends to dominate the feel and bottom-out sound during use, ensuring that users experience a robust tactile feedback regardless of the top housing material. Thus, both switches can deliver similar auditory sensations when pressed down, despite varying experiences when released.
In summary, the construction of the TTC Gold Red and HMX SU showcases a clear juxtaposition between their top housing materials, with polycarbonate and nylon each contributing unique attributes to the sound profiles. However, the similarity in their nylon bottom housings lends a cohesive aspect to the user experience, as both switches produce a fuller sound when engaged. As a result, when considering overall performance, enthusiasts might appreciate that while the auditory experience at key release differs markedly, the feeling and impact at the bottom-out point remain consistently satisfying across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, both can be classified as light switches, but there are slight differences in their actuation forces. The TTC Gold Red requires an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX SU has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but matches the Gold Red’s bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Gold Red is the lighter option when it comes to the actuation force, which may be more appealing for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a stronger push feel may find the HMX SU’s slightly higher actuation force preferable. Overall, while both switches have the same bottom out force, the differences in actuation force could lead to varied user experiences depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm means that the Gold Red provides a more pronounced depth when pressing down on a key, which can be more satisfying to those who appreciate a hearty feel. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the SU switch caters to gamers and users who favor quicker response times, resulting in a more immediate and possibly abrupt key actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a more traditional and deeper typing experience, the longer Gold Red switch would be the better choice, whereas the SU switch will be more suitable for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switches deliver a satisfying thocky profile that produces a deep, rich tone, characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound signature. This sound not only offers an engaging auditory experience but also ensures it's suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a shared space. The sound design is tailored to provide a baseline that adds personality without being excessively loud. On the other hand, while there is no specific sound profile provided for the HMX SU linear switch, it's noteworthy to mention that the switch features a full PA12 housing, which could potentially influence its acoustic characteristics, although the exact attributes remain unspecified.
When examining the feel of each switch, the Gold Red provides a buttery smooth experience, described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. Users can anticipate a gentle typing sensation that minimizes resistance, ensuring a comfortable engagement with each keystroke. This smoothness is not only pleasurable but also promotes efficient typing, making it a versatile choice for beginners and veterans alike. Conversely, the tactile feedback and overall feel of the HMX SU linear switch are not detailed, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons in this regard.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red and HMX SU linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Gold Red promises a rich acoustic experience paired with a smooth and refined feel, making it a well-rounded option for various typing needs. However, with the HMX SU lacking specific descriptors of its sound and feel, potential users may find it harder to assess its suitability. Ultimately, while both switches are likely to provide satisfying results in their own ways, the Gold Red’s established reputation makes it a solid choice for newcomers looking for a dependable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound profile and overall typing experience. If you value a buttery smooth feel with a light to medium resistance, the Gold Red is an excellent choice. Its thocky and low-pitched sound offers a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it suitable not just for gaming but also for long typing sessions at work or home. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that emphasizes a deeper, more muted sound profile with a subtle touch of character, the HMX SU would serve you well. With its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, the SU provides a typing experience that is both rich and understated, ideal for environments where a lower sound level is desired. Ultimately, choose the Gold Red for a bright, responsive typing feel combined with lively sound or the HMX SU if you seek a more subdued auditory experience with a deep, smooth action.
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