TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, switch choice can significantly influence your typing experience, and two standout options are the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Hibiscus, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness, offering a shortened travel distance that results in a decisive and tactile bottom-out with each keystroke. Its smooth action is complemented by a subtle yet resonant sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who value speed and fluidity while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus delivers an indulgingly smooth experience with an ultra-light actuation force, providing a clack and pop sound profile that enhances the enjoyment of each key press. For users who prioritize a lively auditory feedback and a lightweight feel, the Hibiscus is hard to beat. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to various typing styles and preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Hibiscus, a notable distinction exists in the material used for the top housing. The Gold Silver utilizes polycarbonate, which is recognized for its stiffer composition. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly. The transparency of polycarbonate also enhances the RGB lighting effects, making it a desirable choice for gamers or enthusiasts seeking visually dynamic setups. In contrast, the Hibiscus employs a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This gives the Hibiscus a rounder sound, which will appeal to users who prefer a more muted auditory experience when typing. Therefore, the fundamental difference in sound quality and aesthetics stems from the choice of the top housing material, showcasing the significance of material selection in keyboard design.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both the Gold Silver and Hibiscus feature nylon bottoms. This shared aspect ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as nylon effectively dampens sound. The acoustic characteristics derived from nylon are essential in enhancing the typing feel, making the bottoming-out experience smoother and more satisfying for users. Since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they will deliver similar results in terms of sound absorption and user feedback when the keys are pressed fully down. Thus, while the sound profile can diverge considerably due to different top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon at the bottom harmonizes their performance.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Hibiscus switches leverage contrasting top housing materials—polycarbonate for a sharper sound and nylon for a fuller sound—they converge in their bottom housing with a nylon construction. This dual-material approach means that, despite the variance in sound profile between the switches when keys are released, the deeper sound experience remains constant when keys are pressed due to the shared nylon bottom housing. Enthusiasts looking for a particular sound experience can make educated choices depending on their preference for the sound characteristics they want, while still appreciating the familiar tactile feedback provided by both nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch present interesting contrasts in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it slightly heavier compared to the Hibiscus switch's actuation force of 42 grams. This difference indicates that the Gold Silver may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feel while typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is unavailable, while the Hibiscus has a measurable bottom out force of 48 grams, categorized as light. This suggests that while both switches have different actuation forces, the Hibiscus offers a definitive bottoming out experience that the Gold Silver does not provide, making the Hibiscus the overall lighter option with a definitive bottom out performance. For users who prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, the Hibiscus is the preferable choice, while the Gold Silver may cater to those seeking more resistance.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that both switches provide the same key feel and actuation experience when pressed. This similarity ensures that users can expect a uniform response in terms of how far each switch travels from its top position to its bottom. As a result, those who favor either switch for their keyboard can anticipate similar tactile feedback and performance, making them interchangeable in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch boasts a rich, low-pitched thocky tone that provides a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. This deep sound profile resonates with a fulfilling bass-heavy quality, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a robust sound when typing. Additionally, the neutral characteristics of the switch allow for versatility, suitable for both quiet and bustling environments. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switch presents a sound signature that is characterized as clacky, poppy, and crispy, though specific descriptors are not provided. This indicates a different auditory experience that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced, lively sound when engaging with their keyboard.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels with its polished and silky finish, resulting in a remarkably smooth typing experience. The smooth key travel minimizes resistance, allowing for a rapid and efficient typist experience while maintaining a gentle, mild feel. The overall tactile feedback is subtle yet decisive, providing a comfortable intermediary experience that caters to both new and seasoned users. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Hibiscus switch remains unspecified, leaving it unclear how it competes with the Gold Silver’s established smoothness and comfort.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Hibiscus switches offer unique strengths that may appeal to different preferences. While the Gold Silver is recognized for its deep, satisfying sound and smooth, polished feel, the Hibiscus's attributes lean towards a clackier auditory signature, though its tactile characteristics are yet to be detailed. With the Gold Silver providing a harmonious blend of sound and feel, users who prefer a subtle, refined typing experience might gravitate towards it, while those looking for a lively sound may find the Hibiscus switch intriguing, despite the unknown details about its tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and smooth key travel for fast-paced gaming or typing, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent choice. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a thocky sound signature, makes it ideal for users who enjoy swift keystrokes and a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you value an ultra-light actuation and crave a unique auditory experience, the HMX Hibiscus switch will serve you well, especially for creative tasks or casual gaming sessions where a clackier sound signature can enhance your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences; you would choose the Gold Silver for speed and smoothness in performance, while the Hibiscus allows you to indulge in a delightful, responsive typing experience with a poppy sound.
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