TTC Silent Brown vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear options. The TTC Silent Brown switches offer a unique experience for typists seeking a balance between feedback and noise control; they provide a satisfying rounded tactile bump accompanied by a muted sound profile, making them an excellent choice for work environments or shared spaces where noise can be an issue. Their light to medium resistance caters well to those who prefer a gentler touch while still enjoying a pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches present a completely different typing feel, as they are linear switches designed for fluid, uninterrupted keystrokes. With a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, the SU switches deliver a subtly deep sound profile that can appeal to users who favor smooth key presses without any tactile feedback. Each switch has its own strengths: the Silent Brown for a quiet yet tactile experience, and the HMX SU for a silky-smooth typing journey. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX SU, a notable distinction exists between their top housings—polycarbonate for the Silent Brown and nylon for the HMX SU. Polycarbonate's structural rigidity contributes to a sound profile that is sharper and crisper, making it an excellent choice for enhancing the clarity of the sound produced when a key is released. Moreover, its translucence is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the HMX SU's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, it creates a duller and rounder auditory experience than polycarbonate. This distinction highlights how the choice of top housing material can drastically influence the character of the sound produced when typing.
Interestingly, both switch types feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This consistency offers a similar foundational sound experience between the two. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper, fuller sound profile that users will feel during the key press and bottom out. The characteristics of this material dovetail well with the further tonal qualities provided by the top housing. As such, regardless of the variation in top housing, both switches benefit from the unique properties of nylon in the bottom, which modulates and enriches the overall acoustic experience.
Ultimately, while the TTC Silent Brown and HMX SU switches employ different materials for their top housing, they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, allowing for a shared auditory foundation. This duality plays a critical role in the sensation and sound production of the switches. The contrasting effects of polycarbonate's clarity against nylon's warmth create a balanced and nuanced typing experience. As a result, although the overall sound profiles differ due to the top materials, users can expect a certain level of richness in the tactile feedback and auditory experience thanks to the commonality of their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge in their bottom out forces despite having identical actuation forces. Both switches require a force of 45 grams to register a keystroke, making them consistent in terms of actuation feel and resistance when typing. However, the Silent Brown exhibits a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the SU's lighter 50 grams. This disparity means that while both switches offer the same initial tactile feedback, the Silent Brown provides a more substantial experience at the end of the key press, which may appeal to typists and gamers who favor a firmer feel. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its lighter bottom out force, is likely to be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, offering less strain on the fingers over time. Thus, the Silent Brown is better suited for those who appreciate a heavier keypress, while the SU may be preferred by users favoring lighter switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Silent Brown features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX SU has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the TTC Silent Brown offers a deeper feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its shorter travel distance, may cater more to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers. While both switches offer shorter travel distances relative to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Silent Brown provides a slightly more pronounced depth, making it the longer option. Therefore, users who enjoy a more responsive switch might opt for the HMX SU, while those appreciating a heartier feel may lean towards the TTC Silent Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches and the HMX SU linear switches, the differences are notable. The Silent Brown switches are characterized by a muted sound profile, which helps minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards and makes them an excellent choice for quieter environments. This results in a softer auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches are known for their subtle and relatively deep sound profile. Though the specifics of the SU’s sound profile are not as clearly defined, they still convey a richer auditory sensation compared to the Silent Brown. Ultimately, while both switches provide sound experiences that can be deemed quiet, the differences in their auditory characteristics rely heavily on the overall keyboard setup, including housing and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Silent Brown switches excel with a combination of buttery smoothness, mild resistance, and a polished finish. These qualities come together to create a comfortable typing experience that is accessible to a wide range of users. The buttery feel allows for smooth, fluid keystrokes, while the mild resistance offers a balanced typing experience that combines comfort and feedback. The polished aspect indicates a refined keystroke sensation that minimizes friction during typing. Unfortunately, the tactile characteristics of the HMX SU switches remain unspecified, leaving us without a direct comparison for how they feel. Therefore, while we know the Silent Brown provides a well-rounded tactile experience, we lack information on how the SU switches perform in this aspect.
In conclusion, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches present a clearly defined sound and feel profile that is appreciated for its muted acoustics and polished tactile experience, the HMX SU linear switches offer a less clearly defined auditory profile and unknown tactile qualities. This makes the Silent Brown an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet, comfortable, and fluid typing experience, while the HMX SU may appeal to those who prefer a subtle sound with a linear response. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and the context in which the switches will be used.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and use case scenarios. If you find yourself in an environment where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, the Silent Brown switches are an excellent choice. Their muted sound profile and tactile bump provide an enjoyable typing experience while remaining respectful of your surroundings. These switches are particularly well-suited for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the loud click, such as when working in shared spaces or during late-night typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke and a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience, the HMX SU linear switch may be more aligned with your needs. The SU's lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for quicker typing without fatigue, making it a favorable option for gamers or those who tend to type rapidly. Ultimately, by understanding the distinctive features of each switch, you can make an informed choice that enhances your specific typing or gaming experience.
Mentioned in this article
