TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Gold Red Pro offer unique experiences for users. The Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, provides a subtle and nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump that allows for an immersive typing experience without loud distractions. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro, a linear switch, offers a smooth and versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile that adapts well to any environment. Both switches are categorized as polished, thocky, low-pitched, silky, mild, neutral, and subtle, making them suitable for a wide range of users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Gold Red Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the illumination to shine through. However, the Gold Brown Pro has a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Red Pro also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, the difference in bottom housings between the Gold Brown Pro and the Gold Red Pro will impact the overall typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro's bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing down on the switch, while the Gold Red Pro's bottom housing will also provide a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a duller and rounder sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a combination of qualities to be felt and heard when using either switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Brown Pro and the Gold Red Pro may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches offer a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housing in each switch provides a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer a clearer and resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer a high-quality build with different characteristics that cater to individual preferences in typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown Pro requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's 43 grams. Both switches, however, have an unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Gold Brown Pro may provide a slightly heavier typing experience, both switches will likely have a similar feel when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the better choice, as the lighter actuation force can make typing for extended periods more comfortable. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Gold Brown Pro for a more pronounced tactile response when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it's evident that they offer the same tactile experience while typing or gaming, as the travel distance determines the amount of feedback and keypress actuation. Both switches provide a consistent level of actuation force and travel distance, ensuring a similar typing or gaming experience regardless of which one is chosen. In conclusion, whether you opt for the Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Gold Red Pro linear switch, you can expect to receive consistent and reliable performance due to their identical travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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, both the Gold Brown Pro and Gold Red Pro switches are described as having a "thocky," low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a deep, rich sound that is not too loud or too quiet, making them suitable for various environments. Depending on the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound of these switches can be further customized to their liking.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle. This means that they offer a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Gold Red Pro switch does not have the descriptor of being "stepped," unlike the Gold Brown Pro, which means that it may not have the same two-stage tactile feel during keystrokes.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer users a high-quality typing experience with subtle nuances in feedback and sound. The Gold Brown Pro is best suited for those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a quiet sound profile, while the Gold Red Pro is more versatile and adaptable to different preferences and environments. Ultimately, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction in terms of typing comfort and performance with either of these TTC switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, consider the type of feedback you prefer. If you enjoy a subtle tactile bump and a quiet typing experience that allows you to focus on your tasks without distraction, then the Gold Brown Pro is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth typing experience that is versatile for various settings and preferences, the Gold Red Pro linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle tactile feedback or a seamless typing experience that caters to a wide range of users. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and needs.
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