TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Gold Silver. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that offers a subtle and nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump, ideal for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Silver is a linear switch known for its rapid responsiveness and solid bottom-out, making it perfect for users who value speed and precision in their keystrokes. While the Gold Brown Pro focuses on a quieter and more immersive typing experience, the Gold Silver excels in delivering quick and decisive actions. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Gold Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the nylon bottom housings of the Gold Brown Pro and Gold Silver differ slightly in sound profile. The nylon used in the bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound, with nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
While the top housings of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Gold Silver are both made of polycarbonate, the bottom housings of each switch are made of nylon. The split between the two materials means that the qualities they bring to the sound and feel of the switch are divided between the top and bottom. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as the deeper and fuller sound profile from nylon, will be more noticeable. Conversely, the impact of the top housing, such as the sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate, will be more apparent when releasing a key.
In essence, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Gold Silver offer a combination of sharper and crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing and a deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing. While the top housings are identical between the two switches, the difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience. Overall, both switches showcase the benefits of using different housing materials to achieve a unique sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, as it is not provided in the information. In terms of weight, the actuation force for both switches being the same means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of force required to press a key. The difference between the two switches lies in their tactile feedback, with the Gold Brown Pro providing a tactile bump while the Gold Silver linear switch offers a smooth keystroke without a bump. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Gold Silver switch more suitable for long typing or gaming sessions, whereas those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gold Brown Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation force and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. A difference of 0.3 mm may not seem like much, but it can have an impact on the overall feel and response of the switch. The Gold Brown Pro may provide a slightly deeper keystroke feel, while the Gold Silver may offer a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the user.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Gold Silver switches offer a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various settings and preferences. The deep and rich sound produced by these switches adds a satisfying touch to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. The choice of keyboard board and keycaps can further influence the sound output of these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown Pro and Gold Silver switches both provide a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. With a smooth and refined finish, these switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing feel. The mild and gentle typing experience makes them approachable to most users, striking a balance between comfort and functionality. Additionally, the subtle resistance of these switches ensures a light and unobtrusive typing feel, suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, whether you opt for the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience characterized by their unique tactile or linear feedback, smooth key travel, and satisfying sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback versus linear action, allowing you to customize your typing experience to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. Its gentle bump and muted sound make it ideal for those who prefer a more understated typing feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed, precision, and a solid bottom-out, the Gold Silver linear switch is the better choice. With its rapid actuation and resonant sound, this switch is perfect for those who seek a swift and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch and the kind of typing experience you find most comfortable and enjoyable.
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