HMX Lucky vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch present two distinct yet compelling options. The HMX Lucky, with its softer and glittery nylon housing, provides a lightweight and neutral typing experience that's widely regarded as deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who favor smooth keystrokes without resistance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience characterized by a light to medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, appealing to users who enjoy a bit of feedback without the noise of traditional switches. Additionally, the muted sound profile of the Silent Brown caters to quiet environments, enhancing the overall typing experience. Each switch serves different preferences and needs, as the Lucky favors a seamless feel while the Silent Brown balances tactile feedback with a subdued sound. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the TTC Silent Brown switches demonstrate notable differences in their top housing materials, which ultimately influence their sound profiles. The HMX Lucky features a nylon top housing, known for its softer and more absorbent characteristics. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound waves and creating a dampened effect. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and generates a higher-pitched, crisper sound. This distinction in materials leads to markedly different auditory experiences when typing, underscoring the impact of top housing on sound properties.
However, both the HMX Lucky and the TTC Silent Brown share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. This resemblance leads to similar auditory experiences in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon material's inherent properties provide a consistent foundation, offering a deeper and rounder sound profile, regardless of the differences in the top housing. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in material composition and consequently in sound characteristics, the bottom housing unifies their sound profiles, maintaining that signature depth and fullness associated with nylon.
In summary, the HMX Lucky and TTC Silent Brown switches exemplify how varying materials for the top and bottom housings of a switch can lead to different auditory results, especially regarding the release sound versus the bottom-out feel. The nylon bottom housing serves to enrich the overall typing experience by enhancing depth and fullness, irrespective of the contrasting top housing materials. Consequently, even with different top sound profiles, both switches can achieve complementary results through the consistent influence of their nylon base, resulting in a uniquely nuanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a more effortless typing experience during long sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Consequently, the HMX Lucky is the lighter option, while the TTC Silent Brown is the heavier switch, providing distinct tactile experiences to different user preferences. A lighter switch like the Lucky can reduce finger fatigue for extended usage, whereas the heavier Silent Brown may provide a satisfying feedback for typists who appreciate a firmer resistance during their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is 3.8 mm, indicating that both switches provide the same amount of travel when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent feel in terms of key travel distance when using either switch. Since both switches have an equal travel distance, they will yield similar results in terms of actuation and responsiveness, making them comparable options for those seeking a switch with a specific travel characteristic.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 HMX Lucky linear switch has yet to have a detailed description, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat mysterious. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is characterized by its muted sound, which produces significantly less noise than more traditional or clacky switches. The reduced sound makes these switches ideal for quiet environments, as they minimize the typical auditory distractions associated with mechanical keyboards. Therefore, while the sound of the Lucky may remain unknown, the Silent Brown clearly excels in offering a more subdued audio experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky is noted for its softer and glittery nylon housing, delivering a lightweight typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying and neutral. This smoothness is very much appreciated by typists who prefer a seamless action. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown is described as buttery, mild, and polished, presenting a typing experience that is both smooth and effortless along with a satisfying tactile bump. The tactile feedback adds an extra layer of engagement during typing, making it approachable for users across various skill levels. While the Lucky indicates a neutral satisfaction, the Silent Brown's smoothness and tactile nature may appeal more to those seeking feedback in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with differing sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Silent Brown clearly emphasizes a softer acoustic output combined with a pronounced tactile experience, making it an excellent choice for users prioritizing quiet operation and engagement through tactile feedback. Conversely, the Lucky's allure lies in its neutral and satisfying feel, though its sound quality remains to be defined. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile sensation, either switch could serve you well, with each offering distinct benefits tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you are seeking a light and smooth typing experience with a softer feel, the HMX Lucky is an excellent option. Its lightweight design, characterized by a bottom-out force of just 43 grams, makes it particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers who require quick, effortless keystrokes. The glittery nylon housing further adds to its unique charm, providing a satisfying typing sensation that many find appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback while still wanting a quieter typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown is the right choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it strikes a balance between durability and comfort, offering a buttery smooth actuation and a muted sound profile that minimizes distractions in shared environments. Therefore, whether you prioritize speed and weightlessness or a more tactile, plush typing sensation, both switches have their distinct advantages that cater to various typing styles and settings.
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