TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Twilight linear switches present distinct advantages tailored to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystroke experience, thanks to its shortened travel distance and decisive bottom-out feel. This switch not only enhances typing speed but also provides a satisfying tactile feedback, characterized by its subtle yet resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight offers a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter operation while still retaining the signature clacky tone associated with HMX switches. These characteristics make the Twilight an excellent choice for users seeking a balance between a comfortable typing experience and an appealing sound profile. Both switches cater to varying needs, whether you prioritize speed and tactile feedback with the Gold Silver or a more gradual actuation and quieter operation with the Twilight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Silver Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Twilight switches offer unique sonic profiles due to their differing materials used in their housings, specifically in the top housing. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance when typing. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it an exceptional choice for RGB lighting applications, as it allows light to pass through unobstructed, creating eye-catching visual effects. In contrast, the Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer characteristics. This added softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, but it lacks the brightness and clarity that polycarbonate provides. While the two materials produce distinct sound qualities, they each cater to different auditory preferences—where polycarbonate excels in clarity and resonance, nylon emphasizes warmth and depth.

Both the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Twilight switches feature nylon bottom housings, which brings a sense of consistency to the typing experience. In both cases, the use of nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material, with its ability to absorb sound, results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a less aggressive typing noise. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches manage to offer a satisfying and plush sensation upon actuation, despite their differently styled top housings. Thus, while their top materials diverge in function and aesthetics, the synergy created by having nylon at the base produces a unified tactile experience.

Overall, the interaction between the materials in the top and bottom housings of the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Twilight switches exemplifies how different combinations can yield varied auditory outcomes. While the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, the nylon bottom balances this with warmth and depth. Conversely, the Twilight employs a soft nylon top, which produces a fuller sound but may lack the crispness of polycarbonate. However, both switches harmonize through their common nylon bottom housing, leading to a consistent tactile and auditory response when bottoming out. Therefore, while users may opt for one switch over the other based on their preference for sound profiles, they can expect similarly pleasing results in terms of the bottom-out feel and sound due to the shared material between both models.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Gold Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Twilight's 42 grams, making the Twilight the lighter option for those who prefer a softer touch while typing. However, the Gold Silver’s bottom out force information is unavailable, while the Twilight has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it offers a more significant resistance when fully pressed down. This difference suggests that while the Gold Silver may feel lighter overall due to the unknown bottom out force, the Twilight provides a definitive bottoming experience that could contribute to a more substantial typing feedback for users who favor heavier switches. Consequently, for users looking for a lighter switch experience, the HMX Twilight would be the better choice, especially for long typing sessions or gaming.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a clear differentiation emerges. The Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Twilight features a slightly longer distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Gold Silver is generally more suitable for users seeking a quicker response time, catering especially to gamers who favor shorter travel distances for enhanced speed. Conversely, the Twilight, with its increased travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gold Silver would be the better fit, whereas if you appreciate a more pronounced depth, the Twilight would be the more favorable option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is characterized as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, producing a deep, satisfying thud with each keystroke. This sound enhances the typing experience by providing auditory feedback that aligns with the solid bottom-out feel of the switch, making it appealing for users who enjoy a rich acoustic presence. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is noted for its extended travel distance, resulting in a quieter sound profile. However, specific descriptors for its sound characteristics are not provided, leaving some aspects of its auditory appeal unknown. If you're looking for a distinct auditory experience, the Gold Silver clearly stands out, while the Twilight may appeal more to those who prefer quieter operation.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver excels with its polished, silky, mild, and subtle qualities, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The precision of each keystroke is complemented by the switch's ability to minimize resistance and friction, resulting in a fluid typing sensation that most users find comfortable. Conversely, the tactile feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch is less specified. Without descriptors to define its touch experience, one cannot ascertain how it compares in terms of smoothness or overall typing satisfaction. However, the Gold Silver’s superior polished feel ensures a more luxurious typing experience.

In summary, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch boasts a compelling sound and feel, characterized by its thocky sound profile and luxurious tactile experience, making it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a blend of auditory and physical satisfaction. Meanwhile, while the sound of the HMX Twilight remains somewhat ambiguous, it presents the potential for a quieter operation with an extended travel distance, though its tactile qualities are currently unknown. For newcomers, the TTC Gold Silver offers a more defined and pleasurable experience, while the HMX Twilight could serve those looking for a quieter but less understood option.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately revolves around your typing preferences and specific usage scenarios. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a smooth keystroke experience, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent choice. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a low-pitched, thocky sound, makes it ideal for both intense gaming sessions and fast-paced typing tasks where precision is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance and a overall quieter sound profile while still maintaining a satisfying typing experience, the HMX Twilight is the way to go. With a light bottom-out force and its unique sound characteristics, it caters well to those who type for extended periods or work in quieter environments. In essence, choose the Gold Silver for speed and decisive feedback, while the Twilight is perfect for a more subdued yet enjoyable typing journey.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more