TTC Iron vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Iron and HMX Swift both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Iron is celebrated for its pronounced clacky sound and swift actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience that is both precise and enjoyable. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with a deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, along with a delicate 42g actuation force for a comfortable typing feel. While the Iron is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Swift falls under 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeals, but diving deeper into their individual characteristics will help you determine the best choice for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The TTC Iron and the HMX Swift both boast housing materials that contribute to a pleasing and unique sound profile. The Iron features a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound, while the Swift uses a nylon top housing to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both materials absorb sound effectively due to their softer plastic composition, resulting in a rounder and duller sound overall. In this aspect, the housing materials of the Iron and the Swift share similarities in their ability to create a desirable typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the TTC Iron and the HMX Swift showcase the same material differences as their respective top housings. The POM bottom housing of the Iron contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Swift enhances the overall depth and fullness of its sound. These differences demonstrate how the choice of housing material can impact the sound and feel of a switch, with the softer nylon material providing a more absorbing and rounded sound compared to the POM material.
In terms of tactile feedback, the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release. Therefore, the POM and nylon materials used in the TTC Iron and the HMX Swift, respectively, each bring unique qualities to the typing experience. The contrasting sound profiles created by these different housing materials highlight the importance of material choice in customizing the overall feel and sound of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, both switches have a relatively light actuation force. The TTC Iron has an actuation force of 41 grams, while the HMX Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them equally light in that aspect as well. Typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch may find both switches to be suitable for their needs, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, those looking for a slightly more substantial typing experience may lean towards the HMX Swift with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be very noticeable to the average user, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Swift to be a better fit. Ultimately, whether you choose the Iron or the Swift will depend on your personal preference for key depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Iron linear switch is well-known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, adding a distinctive touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housings, contributing to a smoother and silkier sound while still maintaining a clacky characteristic. Both switches provide a satisfying sound experience, catering to different preferences based on the type of typing sound desired.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Iron switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and enhancing the overall typing experience with its light actuation force. The Swift switch also provides an easy-to-press feel, along with a feathery sensation that makes typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. With the additional bouncy and creamy feel options, the Swift switch offers a variety of tactile experiences that cater to a wider range of typing preferences compared to the Iron switch.
Overall, choosing between the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch ultimately depends on personal preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper and clackier sound with easy-to-press key presses, the Iron switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a deeper sound profile with versatile tactile options such as feathery and creamy sensations, the Swift switch provides a broader range of experiences to explore. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and satisfying typing experiences, ensuring that you will achieve similar levels of precision and pleasure in every keystroke.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the TTC Iron if you prefer a pronounced clacky sound signature with a light 50g bottom out force, delivering a satisfying typing experience with swift actuation and smooth travel. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts and daily users looking for precision and pleasure in each keystroke. On the other hand, opt for the HMX Swift if you appreciate a deeper sound profile with a 42g actuation force and silky smoothness. This switch offers a delicate typing experience that is comfortable for extended use, making it suitable for various purposes such as gaming, school, or work. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound, feel, and overall typing experience that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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