TTC Gold Red vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches, it's clear that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance, providing a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Gold Red is described as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', 'Polished', the Swift is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Creamy'. 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
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Swift, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. As a result, the Gold Red and the Swift are likely to offer similar typing experiences in terms of the sound produced when bottoming out keys.
On the other hand, the top housings of these switches differ, with the Gold Red featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Swift utilizing a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold Red's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Swift. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for RGB lighting effects, giving the Gold Red an aesthetic advantage in terms of customization options.
Overall, the choice between the Gold Red and the Swift may come down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile and typing experience desired. While both switches offer similar qualities in their nylon bottom housings, the difference in top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique benefits that appeal to different users.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch both have relatively light actuation forces, with the Gold Red at 43 grams and the Swift at 42 grams. This means that both switches will provide a quick response when typing or gaming. Additionally, both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, ensuring a consistent and stable typing experience. The light actuation force of these switches makes them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods of time. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier push feel of other switches more satisfying. Overall, both the Gold Red and Swift switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, with their actuation and bottom out forces being suitable for a wide range of preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red being slightly longer than the Swift. Gamers may prefer the Swift for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Gold Red. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and users are likely to get similar results from both in terms of overall typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
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 TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and satisfying typing sound that is not too loud or overwhelming. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out with its clacky sound, providing a sharp and bright typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red leaning towards a deeper, more bass-heavy tone while the Swift delivers a crisp and percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switch provides a mild and silky typing experience, with a subtle resistance that is gentle yet not featherlight. The polished finish of these switches enhances the smoothness of key travel, making each keystroke feel refined and effortless. On the contrary, the HMX Swift switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The bouncy and creamy feel of the Swift switch adds a spring-like feedback and a buttery smooth sensation to typing.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red and HMX Swift linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Gold Red provides a thocky and low-pitched sound paired with a mild and silky typing feel, the Swift delivers a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, feathery typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper, smoother sound or a sharper, bouncier feel, both switches offer a premium typing experience that is smooth and enjoyable. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile, silky smoothness, and a delicate 42g actuation force, the HMX Swift switch might better suit your preferences. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so be sure to choose based on your typing preferences and priorities. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
