TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Lucky stand out as compelling linear options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel distance that culminates in a decisive and solid bottom-out. This gives users a tangible sense of satisfaction with each keystroke, enhanced by a harmonious sound signature that balances speed and fluidity. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches boast a softer, glittery nylon housing that delivers a lightweight and neutral typing experience, prioritizing comfort and satisfaction over the pronounced acoustic feedback of the Gold Silver. The TTC Gold Silver might appeal to gamers and typists who crave precision and a decisive feel, while the Lucky could attract users looking for a more cushioned and enjoyable experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Lucky switches, the differences in their top housings present notable contrasts in sound profiles. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. In contrast, the HMX Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, characterized by its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound better than the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. Thus, while the Gold Silver excels in brightness and clarity, the Lucky delivers a more muted and solid sound.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, reveal a shared characteristic, as both the Gold Silver and the Lucky are constructed from nylon. This commonality means that the two switches will exhibit similar sound profiles when it comes to their bottoming-out sounds and feels, since nylon's softer properties significantly influence the auditory experience in this respect. The deeper, fuller sound generated from both switches will stem from the nylon bottom housing, allowing for parallel experiences in terms of tactile feedback and acoustic resonance during key presses.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the two switches illustrates how the qualities of the top and bottom housings can create a distinct auditory and tactile experience. The Gold Silver’s polycarbonate top housing works in tandem with the nylon bottom to produce a unique interplay of sound, sharpness when releasing a key, and a fuller tone upon bottoming out. Conversely, the HMX Lucky’s all-nylon construction results in a consistent, round sound profile for both upstroke and downstroke, which may appeal to users seeking a more cohesive sound experience. Despite their differences, both switches can achieve similar acoustic results due to the shared nylon bottom housing, underscoring how the top housing's material can notably influence the overall character of sound in a keyboard switch.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces, with the Gold Silver requiring a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lucky's lighter 37 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a more substantial push feel might gravitate toward the Gold Silver switch, while those looking for a lighter typing experience ideal for prolonged use may find the Lucky a better fit. In terms of bottom out forces, the Lucky switch has a specified bottom out force of 43 grams, whereas the Gold Silver’s bottom out force remains unknown. This means that while the Gold Silver provides an actuation feel that is heavier, we lack a complete picture of its overall force profile due to the unavailability of its bottom out measurement. Therefore, users seeking a defined bottoming out experience may lean toward the Lucky switch, which offers a clearer understanding of its performance at both actuation and bottom out. Overall, the TTC Gold Silver switch stands out as the heavier option, while the HMX Lucky switch is the lighter alternative with a known bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Lucky linear switches, it is clear that they cater to different preferences in key feel and responsiveness. The TTC Gold Silver features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the HMX Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, resulting in a slightly deeper key press. For gamers or those who favor quicker response times, the Gold Silver's shorter travel may provide the desired tactile feedback and fast actuation. However, for users who appreciate a more substantial key feel, the Lucky's longer travel distance may be more appealing as it offers a more pronounced depth. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for key travel characteristics, with the Gold Silver being the better fit for those seeking rapid responsiveness and the Lucky serving well for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience.
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 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
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch possesses a distinct sound profile characterized by a thocky resonance, delivering a deep and satisfying auditory feedback upon engagement. This low-pitched quality enhances the overall typing experience, providing a gratifying thud with each key press that is perfect for users who appreciate an immersive and rich sound. Its neutral sound signature ensures it can be comfortably used in various environments, from bustling workspaces to quiet home offices, catering to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch does not have a specified sound profile in the available information, leaving it unclear how it might compare sonically to the Gold Silver.
In terms of feel, the Gold Silver stands out with its polished, silky, and mild characteristics, promising an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal friction. The careful design of these switches provides a gentle resistance that will be approachable for most users. The tactile sensation is enhanced by the meticulous engineering, allowing for fluidity during use. Conversely, while the Lucky linear switch offers a neutral and satisfying typing experience, the available information does not delve into specific descriptors that would allow a robust comparison.
To conclude, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is well-known for its rapid responsiveness, pleasing sound, and smooth feel, making it a prime choice for those who prioritize performance and comfort. Though the HMX Lucky linear switch promises an appealing typing experience, its undefined sound characteristics and lack of detailed feel descriptors leave a gap in direct comparability. However, users can expect a reasonably fulfilling typing experience with both switches due to their inherent linear qualities, with the Gold Silver offering a more defined auditory satisfaction and smooth operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent choice. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a lightly thocky sound, caters well to fast-paced typing, making it ideal for gamers or anyone who needs to strike quickly and decisively. On the other hand, if you seek a softer, more neutral typing experience, the HMX Lucky switch may better suit your needs. With its lighter bottom-out force, this switch will feel less demanding on your fingers, providing an enjoyable, stress-free typing experience, especially in long typing sessions or for users who prefer a gentler touch. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer rapid action and a satisfying sound profile or a lighter, more comfortable feel for extended use.
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